Stainless Steel Disc Spring Forming for Higher Spring Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stainless steel disc springs made of X5CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4401) have moderate spring properties, which are insufficient to maintain screw connection reliability due to low spring force, and heat treatment to enhance spring properties compromises corrosion resistance, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high securing and corrosion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A combined forming and stamping process with material thickness reduction by more than 7%, and introduction of cording such as saw teeth on the disc surfaces, improves spring properties while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat treatment is applied to improve spring properties of stainless steel 1.4401, then spring force is enhanced, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the disc spring (reducing thickness, modifying outer and inner diameters) to compensate for the moderate spring properties of stainless steel 1.4401, achieving sufficient spring force without heat treatment that would compromise corrosion resistance
2Strength
If disc spring geometry is optimized for high spring force, then locking properties improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines forming and stamping operations into a single integrated manufacturing process, achieving the optimized disc spring geometry (with thickness reduction and surface curvature) in one step, thereby improving spring force while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate manufacturing operations
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 method significantly enhances the residual spring force of stainless steel 1.4401 disc springs, meeting or exceeding the requirements for securing screw connections, as demonstrated by increased residual spring force measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the surface is hardened through cold working during the rolling process
Implementation Method 2
a combined forming and stamping process that reduces the material thickness by more than 7%
Implementation Method 3
the spring force of the disc springs must be dimensioned in such a way that they can compensate for a loss of preload
Implementation Method 4
The locking effect of disc springs relies primarily on frictional engagement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a disc spring, wherein a disc spring shape is produced from a ring disc made of stainless steel X5CrNiMo17-12-2 in a combined forming and stamping process, with a simultaneous reduction of the material thickness by more than 7%.