Variable-Pitch Coil Spring to Suppress Lateral Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coil springs for internal combustion engines and high-pressure pumps produce lateral forces during compression, leading to increased friction and wear, which can cause operational problems.
Innovation Solution
A coil spring design with a helical shape featuring distinct regions: a first end region with increased space, a reference region with a set space value L, and a second end region with reduced space, along with transitional regions to maintain space between coils, preventing the space from becoming zero during compression and thus minimizing lateral force production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the coil spring is compressed axially, then elastic force is generated in the axial direction, but lateral force is also produced perpendicular to the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different spatial characteristics in different regions of the coil spring. The end regions have different pitch angles compared to the central region, with the first end region having a pitch angle that prevents coil contact during compression. This local differentiation allows the spring to generate elastic force while minimizing lateral force production in specific critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is segmented into three distinct regions: a first end region, a central region, and a second end region. Each region has different geometric characteristics, particularly in pitch angle and coil spacing. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function - the end regions minimize lateral force while the central region provides the primary elastic response.
2Force
If lateral force is produced during compression, then the coil spring exerts pressing force, but frictional force increases between the plunger and guide surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences in the coil spring structure, specifically in the end regions where pitch angles are modified. The first end region has a pitch angle designed to prevent coil contact during compression, thereby eliminating lateral force generation at this critical location where friction would otherwise occur between the plunger and guide surface.
3Length of moving object
If the space between coils becomes zero during compression, then the coil spring reaches maximum compression, but lateral force is generated and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the end regions with specific pitch angles before compression occurs. The first end region is designed with a pitch angle that proactively prevents coil contact during the compression process, eliminating lateral force generation and wear before they can occur. This preventive design ensures that coils never contact each other during operation.
4Length of moving object
If the number of active coils changes during use, then the spring compresses, but lateral force production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences by modifying the pitch angle in the end regions while maintaining a consistent pitch angle in the central region. This differentiation ensures that during compression, the number of active coils remains constant because the modified end regions prevent coil contact, thereby eliminating lateral force production while still allowing spring length to change.
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
This design effectively suppresses lateral force production during compressional operations, preventing changes in the number of active coils and reducing frictional wear, thereby enhancing the operational reliability of the coil spring.
Implementation Method 1
This coil spring is a component intended to axially exert elastic force when axially compressed
Data Source
AI summary
In the coil spring of the present invention, a helical space defined by a space between coils has a first end region whose space is increased as it extends towards the other side in the axial direction from a first reference point where the space is zero, a reference region whose space is set at a reference value L (L>0), and a second end region whose space becomes narrow as it extends toward the other side in the axial direction and zero at a second reference point. The first end region is configured such that the number of turns of the helical space is greater than 1 and the space between coils in a terminal position is greater than the reference value L. The helical space has a first transitional region between the terminal position of the first end region and the reference region, the first transitional region being configured so that the distance of space between coils is reduced from the terminal position of the first end region along the helical shape of the helical space toward the other side in the axial direction and becomes the reference value L.