Linear Bearing Plate Spring Radial Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear bearings with concentrically arranged disc springs have unsatisfactory performance due to inadequate rigidity and displacement characteristics, which affects the precision and security of lifting magnets.

Innovation Solution

A linear bearing design featuring concentrically arranged plate or disc springs with a spring arm section extending over an angular range of 100° to 270°, having a width at least five times greater than the thickness, and a fastening part that forms a lateral gap, allowing for increased deflection counterforce and minimal radial movement, enabling precise and secure mounting of lifting magnet plungers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional disc springs with narrow spring arms are used, then the linear bearing has sufficient radial flexibility, but the radial rigidity is insufficient and displacement characteristics are unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial rigidityVSAvoidspring arm width to thickness ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dramatically increasing the spring arm width to thickness ratio to at least 5:1 (preferably 10:1 or more). This parameter modification transforms the spring's mechanical properties, providing sufficient radial rigidity while maintaining the necessary displacement characteristics in the direction of movement. The widened spring arm section creates a laterally extending structure that resists radial deformation effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a lateral dimension by extending the spring arm width significantly in the radial direction. This dimensional change creates a broad, plate-like spring arm structure that spans laterally between the fastening part and the end section, forming a gap structure that enhances radial stiffness without compromising axial flexibility. The spring arm essentially transitions from a narrow element to a broad lateral structure.

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

2Force

If the spring arm section extends over a large angular range, then the counterforce increases linearly with deflection, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection counterforceVSAvoidangular range of spring arm section
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the angular range of the spring arm section to between 100° and 270° (preferably 180° to 300°). This angular parameter modification ensures that the spring arm section extends sufficiently to generate linearly increasing counterforce with deflection, while maintaining a practical geometric configuration. The specific angular range creates the necessary lever arm geometry for linear force characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the spring arm width is increased to at least five times the thickness, then radial rigidity is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial rigidityVSAvoidspring arm width to thickness ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a minimum width-to-thickness ratio of 5:1 for the spring arm (preferably 10:1 or more). This parameter specification ensures adequate radial rigidity while remaining manufacturable using conventional spring forming and machining processes. The ratio parameter balances performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating the increased width specifically in the spring arm section while maintaining other dimensions at standard proportions. The broad spring arm section is localized between the fastening part and end section, creating a laterally extending structure that forms a gap. This localized dimensional enhancement provides radial rigidity without unnecessarily increasing overall spring complexity or manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design provides enhanced radial rigidity and large directional displacement, ensuring precise and secure operation of lifting magnets with adjustable spring constants for varying stroke distances and smooth running characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a linear bearing design featuring concentrically arranged plate or disc springs with a spring arm section extending over an angular range of 100° to 270°... allowing for increased deflection counterforce and minimal radial movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2805081B1Linear bearing and solenoid comprising such a linear bearing
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 BURCKHARDT COMPRESSION AG
  • EP2805081B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2805081B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2805081B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The linear bearing (3) comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged springs (2), each spring (2) being designed as a plate spring with a fixing part (2a) and a bore (2c) arranged in the center (Z). Each spring (2) also has a spring arm (2b) which emerges from the fixing part (2a) and ends in an end section (2g). The end section (2g) has the bore (2c), and the bore (2c) is concentric to the fixing part (2a). Each spring (2) has a direction of movement (B) which runs perpendicular to the fixing part (2a), and the springs (2) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement (B). The spring arm (2b) has a spring arm section (2ba) which runs concentrically with the bore (2c) and which extends along an angular range (γ) between 100° and 270°, preferably along an angular range (γ) between 180° and 300°. The fixing part (2a) is at least partly annular, and the spring arm section (2ba) has, in a radial direction with respect to the bore (2c), a width (2k) which is at least five times greater than the thickness (2i) of the spring arm (2b). The width (2k) of the spring arm section (2ba) is designed such that the spring arm section extends relative to the annular fixing part (2a) and the end portion (2g) while forming a lateral gap (2d).