Compression spring assembly and methods of using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of metal springs in dispensing pumps hinders the recycling process due to the need to separate them from plastic components, necessitating an all-plastic spring system for recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A compression spring assembly featuring a slotted tubular spring element and loading cones made from polymer materials, with specific wall angles and strain reducing ribs, allowing for radial expansion and contraction, and potentially hyperboloid shape, enabling easy recyclability and efficient operation in dispensing pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used in the dispensing pump, then the spring provides reliable elastic force for nozzle return, but the metal spring impedes the recycling process due to the need to separate it from plastic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the spring element and loading cones from the same polymer material, creating a homogeneous all-plastic assembly that can be recycled as a single material stream without separation of different materials
2Productivity
If the loading cone wall angle is less than 11 degrees, then the loading cone provides efficient force transmission, but it creates a friction lock that prevents proper spring operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the loading cone wall angle to be no less than 11 degrees, changing the geometric parameter to eliminate friction lock while maintaining efficient force transmission through the cone surfaces
3Reliability
If the loading cone wall angle is greater than 11 degrees, then friction lock is minimized, but the stroke length decreases and the overall spring assembly diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely setting the loading cone wall angle at 11 degrees, optimizing the geometric parameter to achieve the optimal balance between eliminating friction lock and maintaining adequate stroke length
4Ease of manufacture
If the spring element has thin walls at the slot edges, then the spring element is easier to manufacture, but the strain is not evenly distributed reducing the life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing strain reducing ribs at the slot edges that locally reinforce these high-stress areas, creating non-uniform wall thickness distribution that concentrates material where needed to evenly distribute strain and extend life cycle
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The all-plastic compression spring assembly facilitates single-stream recycling of dispensing pumps by ensuring all components can be molded from the same plastic material, enhancing recyclability and extending the spring's life cycle while maintaining effective dispensing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Deformation of the tubular spring walls elastically stores energy which will return the spring to its normal at rest shape when released
Implementation Method 2
When released, the spring element elastically contracts, in turn creating an axial extension force, and returns the cones to their normal at rest positions
Data Source
AI summary
An all plastic compression spring assembly includes a slotted tubular spring element formed from a tensile polymer material and upper and lower loading cones received at opposing upper and lower ends of the slotted tubular spring element. The upper loading cone may be axially compressible towards the lower loading cone within the slotted tubular spring element whereby the slotted tubular spring element radially expands in tension to create an opposing radial contraction force, and in turn, an axial extension spring force. When released, the spring element elastically returns to its normal at rest shape, returning the cones to their normal at rest positions. In some dispenser configurations, the lower loading cone may be stationary or fixed within the dispensing head and the upper loading cone may be downwardly compressible toward the lower loading cone by movement of a nozzle head.