J-Shape Coil Spring Geometry for Lateral Force Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coil spring configurations in vehicle suspension systems, such as straight, C-shape, and L-shape designs, are inadequate in handling lateral forces and often occupy more space, limiting design freedom and causing interference between coils.

Innovation Solution

A coil spring with an elongated body featuring a consistent upper section and a lower section with varied coil angles and pitches, forming a J-shape profile, which enhances lateral force absorption capability without increasing overall width or causing coil interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If complex spring profiles (C-shape, S-shape, L-shape) are used to handle lateral forces, then lateral force handling capability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral force handling capabilityVSAvoidspring profile complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the coil characteristics only in specific regions. The upper portion of the spring maintains uniform coil geometry for vertical load handling, while the lower portion features progressively varying coil angles and pitches to handle lateral forces. This localized modification achieves the desired force handling capability without making the entire spring structure complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper section with consistent coil parameters for vertical load support, and a lower section with progressively varying coil angles and pitches for lateral force management. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If complex spring profiles (C-shape, S-shape, L-shape) are used to handle lateral forces, then lateral force handling capability is improved, but the space occupied by the spring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral force handling capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the coil characteristics only in specific regions. The upper portion of the spring maintains uniform coil geometry for vertical load handling, while the lower portion features progressively varying coil angles and pitches to handle lateral forces. This localized modification achieves the desired force handling capability without making the entire spring structure complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating complex spatial profiles like C-shape or L-shape that occupy more envelope space, the patent utilizes the dimensional variation within the helical structure itself by modifying coil angles and pitches along the spring axis. This approach achieves lateral force handling within the existing cylindrical envelope, avoiding increased space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Force

If complex spring profiles are used to handle lateral forces, then lateral force handling capability is improved, but design freedom is limited due to coil interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral force handling capabilityVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the coil geometry variable rather than fixed. The coil angles and pitches progressively change from the bottom toward the middle of the spring, creating a dynamic structure that can adapt to different loading conditions. This progressive variation allows the spring to handle lateral forces effectively while maintaining design flexibility for different vehicle suspension requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes geometric parameters (coil angles and pitches) progressively along the spring length to achieve lateral force handling. By varying these parameters from the bottom toward the middle portion and maintaining uniform parameters in the upper portion, the design achieves both performance requirements and design freedom without coil interference issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 J-shape coil spring effectively absorbs and dissipates lateral forces with higher efficiency than conventional designs, maintaining a compact profile and preventing coil interference, thus improving vehicle suspension system performance.

Implementation Method 1

The main function of the coil springs are to absorb shocks from road and store the shocks in the form of compressed energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Such body can be twisted, compressed, or stretched by a load and still return to its original shape when the load is released

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 3

the shocks in the form of compressed energy which is later dissipated by the shock absorbers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the shocks in the form of compressed energy which is later dissipated by the shock absorbers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11919347B2Coil spring for vehicle suspension system
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 APM ENG & RES SDN BHD
  • US11919347B2 patent drawing
  • US11919347B2 patent drawing
  • US11919347B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A coil spring includes an elongated body (10) formed by a plurality of continuous coils (21, 31), and the body (10) includes an upper section (20) and a lower section (30), wherein pitches (22) and coil angles (23) of the coils (21) in the upper section (20) are consistent to form an upright profile (24) for the upper section (20), and wherein pitches (32) and coil angles (33) of two or more coils (31) at a free end of the lower section (30) is differed from the pitches (22) and the coil angles (23) of the coils (21) in the upper section (20) to form a gradually curved profile (34) for the lower section (30).