Flat Spring for Sheet Handling Group Vertical Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal sheet handling groups in shearing machines have a high overall vertical bulk due to the vertical size of the springs associated with the driving teeth, which affects the efficiency and compactness of the system.
Innovation Solution
A flat spring formed from a steel sheet with a unique modular structure, featuring a constraining portion, intermediate bar-shaped portion, and mirroring elastic portions that allow for horizontal positioning of the intermediate portion and sufficient flexibility, reducing the vertical size and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional vertical springs are used to load the driving teeth, then the teeth can effectively advance the metal sheet, but the overall vertical bulk of the entrainment device becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The spring design transitions from a conventional vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation by positioning the spring body laterally and using a bearing to convert horizontal elastic force into vertical loading force on the tooth. This dimensional change allows the spring to generate sufficient upward force while minimizing vertical space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded in the horizontal direction against a bearing surface, creating stored elastic energy that is then converted to vertical force through the bearing mechanism. This preliminary positioning and force direction change allows the spring to maintain constant upward loading on the tooth without requiring significant vertical travel or height.
2Length of stationary object
If the spring is positioned horizontally with force applied at an end, then the vertical size is reduced, but the spring needs sufficient flexibility to yield under sheet weight
Solution Approach 1:
The spring design concentrates the flexibility requirement at specific locations (the spring material and its attachment points) while maintaining rigidity in other areas. The spring body is designed with appropriate material properties and cross-sectional characteristics to provide sufficient elastic yield under sheet weight while the overall horizontal positioning reduces vertical bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the horizontally positioned spring and the vertically moving tooth. The bearing converts the horizontal elastic force from the spring into vertical loading force on the tooth, allowing the spring to maintain a compact horizontal configuration while still providing the necessary vertical force and flexibility to yield under sheet weight.
3Ease of operation
If the spring yields under sheet weight, then the tooth can disengage and move upward to advance the sheet, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to automatically yield under sheet weight and rebound to propel the tooth upward without requiring external control systems. The elastic potential energy stored in the horizontally positioned spring is automatically converted to kinetic energy that advances the sheet, creating a self-regulating, self-service mechanism that reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional vertical spring mechanism is replaced with a horizontally positioned elastic element combined with a bearing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex vertical spring assemblies while maintaining the automatic yield-and-rebound functionality through a simpler horizontal force application and conversion mechanism.
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 solution significantly reduces the vertical size of the spring, enhancing the compactness and flexibility of the sheet handling group while simplifying assembly, allowing for efficient operation in sheet advancement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
respective mirroring elastic portions 22, connecting the intermediate portion 21 to each of the eyelets 19
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Sheet material handling group comprising a tray (2) movable with reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis, a plurality of teeth (6) carried by the tray (2) and equally spaced along the axis, guide means (8) for the teeth (6) configured to allow a vertical motion of limited excursion of the teeth (6) and of the elastic means (15) housed in the tray (2) and cooperating with the teeth (6) to exert on the same an upward return force, said elastic means comprising a flat spring (15).