Drawbar Spring Coupling Linkage for Series Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawbar spring configurations lack a method to rigidly couple multiple springs in series, resulting in lack of rigidity and increased bulk when using traditional bolt-and-nut connections, which complicates achieving custom spring lengths and preload configurations.
Innovation Solution
The use of linkages with rounded ends and planar surfaces to mate with loop elements of drawbar springs, along with fender washers and bolts, to securely couple drawbar springs in series, providing rigidity and allowing for customizable spring lengths and preload options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bolt-and-nut connections are used to couple drawbar springs in series, then the connection is secure, but the bulk increases and rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling function and the structural support function into a single integrated linkage component. The linkage includes rounded ends that mate with loop elements and a central aperture for fastening, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing overall bulk while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage acts as an intermediary component between adjacent drawbar springs, providing a dedicated coupling mechanism. The rounded ends of the linkage interface with the loop elements of the springs, while the central aperture accommodates the fastener, creating a streamlined intermediate connection structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional coupling methods are used, then the connection is simple to implement, but the rigidity of the coupled springs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage features rounded ends with curved surfaces that mate with the loop elements of the drawbar springs. This curvature provides a larger contact area and more uniform stress distribution compared to flat or angular connections, enhancing rigidity while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom spring lengths are achieved using traditional methods, then standard sizes are available, but flexibility in creating custom configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar spring system is segmented into modular units (individual springs with loop elements) that can be coupled in series using the standardized linkage. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of multiple spring units to achieve custom lengths and configurations while maintaining simple, repeatable coupling 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
This solution enables the creation of custom spring lengths and preloaded configurations with improved rigidity, reducing bulk and preventing loop element slippage, while allowing for efficient mechanical coupling of drawbar springs in series.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coil and two compression elements that, when the spring is under a tension load, operate to compress the spring coil
Implementation Method 2
The configuration of a drawbar spring offers a built-in definite stop such that the drawbar spring can continue to carry a static load after reaching its maximum extended length. The definite stop is determined by the point at which the spring coil is fully compressed.
Implementation Method 3
the compression elements of a drawbar are loop elements that originate on opposite ends of the coil and pass through the center of the spring coil... The first and second loop elements are configured to compress the first spring coil when a tension load is applied to the first drawbar spring
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.