Coil Spring Setting Device Using Insertable Rests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting coil springs either result in excessive plastification and reduced length due to high blocking stresses or lead to uncontrolled shape deformation and variability, making it difficult to achieve reproducible results.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses movable supports and insertable rests to control the compression and shape of coil springs, allowing for adjustable compression length and stress levels while preventing buckling and lateral deformations, by holding turns against each other or the rests during compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the spring is compressed until turns are touching and blocked, then the elastic limit is raised and creep resistance is improved, but the blocking stresses become excessively high causing significant loss of length and excessive plastification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a setting block as an intermediary element between the spring turns during compression. This block distributes the blocking stress across multiple turns simultaneously, preventing excessive stress concentration on individual turns. The setting block acts as a mediator that enables controlled plastification while maintaining spring length by spreading the deformation effect across several active coils rather than concentrating it on a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a setting block that contacts only specific turns of the spring during setting operation. The setting block can be positioned to engage with particular turns (e.g., every nth turn), creating localized stress distribution zones. This selective engagement allows different parts of the spring to experience different stress levels, with some turns being plastified while others maintain their original dimensions, thus preserving overall spring length while still achieving the desired elastic limit enhancement.
2Length of moving object
If the spring is blocked at a determined length longer than touching turn position, then the spring length is preserved, but the shape of the spring is poorly controlled causing buckling and lateral deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The setting block segments the spring into controlled zones by engaging with specific turns at regular intervals. This segmentation creates discrete contact points that act as localized support zones, preventing uncontrolled buckling between the engaged turns. The spring is effectively divided into multiple segments, each bounded by setting block contact points, which constrains the deformation mode and prevents chaotic lateral buckling while maintaining the overall spring length.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting block is positioned in advance on specific turns before the compression operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when compression is applied, the spring turns are already guided to contact the pre-positioned setting block at the correct locations. This pre-establishment of contact points prevents unpredictable buckling paths and ensures that the spring deforms in a controlled manner along predetermined lines, maintaining both length and shape integrity.
3Length of moving object
If the spring is blocked at a determined length, then the spring length is preserved, but the distances between turns fluctuate and lateral deformations occur reducing reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The setting block provides a physical feedback mechanism by maintaining constant contact with specific spring turns during the setting operation. As the spring compresses, the setting block's position and orientation provide real-time geometric constraints that guide the turns into uniform spacing. The rigid structure of the setting block ensures that once contact is established, the inter-turn distances are automatically regulated to consistent values, preventing fluctuations and ensuring reproducible manufacturing results across multiple springs.
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
Enables controlled setting of coil springs with reduced undesired deformations, consistent inter-turn distances, and adjustable plastification, improving the reproducibility and accuracy of the spring's shape and properties.
Implementation Method 1
During the compression of the spring, some of its turns come into contact with the insertable rest(s) whereby those turns are held: the insertable rests serve to control the shape of the spring during compression and blocking, thus preventing the appearance of buckling or any other undesired deformation
Implementation Method 2
springs are subjected during fabrication to a setting operation that enables them to be deformed plastically, thereby modifying their physical properties. In particular, such plastic deformation makes it possible to raise the elastic limit of the spring so as to enable it to withstand creep better
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for controlled setting of a coil spring, enabling a coil spring to be blocked in controlled manner with a selected compression length, in particular when compression with touching turns is unfavorable. According to the invention, the device comprises a first support configured to hold the first end of the spring and a second support configured to hold the second end of the spring, the first and second supports being configured to move relative to each other; the device further comprising at least one insertable rest configured to be inserted between certain turns of the spring during compression of the spring.