Micromechanical Spring Structure for Linear Deflection in Less Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micromechanical springs exhibit non-linear deflection behavior with increasing hardening, requiring larger substrate areas and masses, and have limited linear deflection capabilities, which restricts their application in micromechanical systems.

Innovation Solution

A micromechanical spring design featuring two bar sections aligned parallel to each other with connecting sections, allowing for adjustable force deflection behavior with a negative second-order non-linearity coefficient, which softens spring stiffness with increasing deflection, enabling a larger linear deflection interval and reduced dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If meandering springs are used to achieve linear deflection behavior, then the linearity of deflection behavior is improved, but the substrate area and mass of the spring increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearity of deflection behaviorVSAvoidsubstrate area
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into multiple beam sections (first, second, third beam sections) connected by connecting sections. This segmentation allows each section to contribute differently to the overall deflection behavior, achieving linearity through the coordinated deformation of discrete segments rather than a continuous meandering structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from the planar meandering spring design to a three-dimensional structure with beam sections oriented in different directions and connected by connecting sections. This dimensional change enables the spring to achieve linear deflection behavior through spatial configuration rather than relying on extended planar meandering patterns.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If meandering springs are used to achieve linear deflection behavior, then the linearity of deflection behavior is improved, but the mass of the spring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearity of deflection behaviorVSAvoidmass of spring
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into multiple beam sections (first, second, third beam sections) connected by connecting sections. This segmentation allows each section to contribute differently to the overall deflection behavior, achieving linearity through the coordinated deformation of discrete segments rather than a continuous meandering structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from the planar meandering spring design to a three-dimensional structure with beam sections oriented in different directions and connected by connecting sections. This dimensional change enables the spring to achieve linear deflection behavior through spatial configuration rather than relying on extended planar meandering patterns.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the number of turns in meandering springs is increased to improve linearity, then the linearity of deflection behavior is improved, but the substrate area and mass increase to a greater extent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinearity of deflection behaviorVSAvoidsubstrate area
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into multiple beam sections (first, second, third beam sections) connected by connecting sections. This segmentation allows each section to contribute differently to the overall deflection behavior, achieving linearity through the coordinated deformation of discrete segments rather than a continuous meandering structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from the planar meandering spring design to a three-dimensional structure with beam sections oriented in different directions and connected by connecting sections. This dimensional change enables the spring to achieve linear deflection behavior through spatial configuration rather than relying on extended planar meandering patterns.

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

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 achieves a substantially adjustable and linear deflection behavior within a defined interval, reducing the spring's dimensions and mass while compensating for the deflection-dependent stiffness-increasing behavior of conventional springs, enhancing the performance of micromechanical systems.

Implementation Method 1

the beam sections are displaceable relative to one another in their longitudinal direction or deflectable relative to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2191162B1Micromechanical spring
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2191162B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2191162B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2191162B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

A micromechanical spring (10, 20), comprising at least two bar sections (11) which, in the undeflected state of the spring, are oriented substantially parallel to each other or are at an angle width of less than 45° with respect to each other, and one or more connecting sections (12) which connect the bar sections (11) to each other, wherein the bar sections (11) can be displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein the spring (10, 20) has, in the direction of the bar sections (11) thereof, a substantially adjustable, in particular linear force-deflecting behaviour.