Compression Spring Mechanism for Moving Radiation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moving-type radiation devices using tension springs are unsafe due to the risk of spring severance, which can lead to uncontrolled falling of the radiation source, and existing safety mechanisms may not fully prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
The use of a compression spring mechanism with a junction spring seat and intermediate connector to prevent buckling and ensure the radiation source remains stable even if the spring is severed, combined with a multiplexed wire configuration and sensors for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a tension spring is used to balance the radiation source weight, then the device weight is reduced, but the safety is compromised due to spring severance risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the spring type from tension spring to compression spring. This inversion fundamentally changes the failure mode: compression spring fragments cannot propel the radiation source upward when severed, as they lack the tensile force generation capability. The radiation source remains safely supported by gravity and the mechanical structure even if the spring fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of spring severance into a benign outcome. By using compression springs, the fragments' elastic rebound energy is directed downward (toward the base) rather than upward (toward the radiation source). The harm of spring failure is transformed into a situation where fragments cannot cause the catastrophic upward propulsion that would occur with tension springs.
2Reliability
If a compression spring is used instead of tension spring, then safety is improved, but buckling may occur reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide structure that constrains the compression spring's movement to the vertical dimension only. This dimensional constraint prevents lateral buckling by providing geometric support in the horizontal dimensions, allowing the compression spring to exert force without experiencing instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the spring system by introducing guide structures that change the boundary conditions. The guides transform the spring from a free-standing component susceptible to buckling into a constrained element where the critical buckling load is significantly increased, enabling safe operation.
3Length of moving object
If multiple compression springs are arranged in series, then the required stroke is achieved, but the complexity of the spring mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the required stroke into multiple segments by arranging compression springs in series. Each spring contributes a portion of the total stroke, and the modular segmented arrangement allows the system to achieve the required displacement while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized spring units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple compression springs into a unified series arrangement that functions as a single mechanical element. The junction spring seat merges the individual springs into a coordinated system where the total stroke is the sum of individual spring strokes, achieving the required displacement without proportionally increasing control complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a junction spring seat is introduced to connect compression springs, then buckling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The junction spring seat acts as an intermediary component that connects compression springs in series while providing guidance and structural support. This mediator element prevents buckling by constraining the springs to axial movement only, and its simple geometric design adds minimal complexity while solving the stability problem.
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 compression spring mechanism prevents the radiation source from falling by ensuring fragments remain immobile and do not buckle, while multiplexed wires and sensors enhance safety by providing redundancy and immediate alerts for wire severance, thus ensuring a highly safe moving-type radiation device.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism configured to give a tensile force to the support column inner wire... (A) a plurality of compression springs arranged in series in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
The radiation source 56 has a considerable weight... the radiation source 56 and the tensile force of the spring are balanced with each other
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a highly safe moving-type radiation device can be provided. In the case of a conventional configuration using tension springs, if a spring is severed, the fragments will separate from each other permanently. Therefore, the present invention uses compression spring 8a and 8b instead. According to the spring mechanism of the present invention, even if a shaft is about to move largely in accordance with the severing of a spring, fragments of the spring, which has become stuck each other and immovable, interfere and prevent the movement of the shaft. What has been devised in the present invention is a junction spring seat that links a plurality of compression springs 8a and 8b. With this, even in cases where the compression springs 8a and 8b are linked in series, the compression springs 8a and 8b will not be buckled.