Mirrored Spiral Spring Module for Even Strain Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy converter modules using planar or flat spiral springs face limitations such as inner windings contacting each other too soon in a cycle and experiencing higher strain than outer windings, leading to inefficient energy storage and release.
Innovation Solution
The energy converter module serially connects two or more spiral spring modules in an axially symmetric way, with the free ends of the spring elements operatively connected to facilitate radial movement during tensioning or release. This configuration ensures that all spiral spring elements are wound to increasing tension, allowing for efficient conversion of rotational energy to mechanical strain energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If planar or flat spiral springs are used for energy storage, then the device structure is simple, but inner windings contact each other too soon in a cycle and experience higher strain than outer windings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single spiral spring into multiple separate spiral spring elements (first, second, third, and fourth spiral springs) arranged in parallel. Each spiral element is independently wound and connected to the common lever, distributing the strain across multiple elements rather than concentrating it in one element, thereby preventing inner windings from contacting too soon and reducing strain on any single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oppositely-wound spiral springs (some wound clockwise, others counter-clockwise) arranged asymmetrically around the axle. This asymmetric arrangement with alternating winding directions balances the strain distribution across inner and outer windings, ensuring that both inner and outer windings experience comparable strain levels during operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If inner windings are allowed to contact early in the cycle, then the spring can store more energy, but the strain on inner windings becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spring system into multiple parallel spiral elements, the patent allows the system to achieve high energy storage capacity (equivalent to a large single spring) while distributing the strain across all elements. Each individual element operates within safe strain limits even when inner windings contact, because the total energy storage is shared across multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different winding directions (clockwise and counter-clockwise) to different spiral elements based on their position. This local differentiation in winding quality ensures that inner and outer windings across the entire system experience balanced strain distribution, with each local element operating within acceptable strain parameters while contributing to overall high energy storage.
3Reliability
If multiple spiral spring elements are connected in parallel, then strain distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spiral spring elements into a unified assembly that shares common connection points: all elements are connected to the same axle at one end and to a common lever at the other end. This merging approach creates a coordinated system where the complexity of multiple elements is managed through their shared structural framework, achieving balanced strain distribution without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common lever serves multiple functions: it connects all spiral spring elements, acts as a lever arm for torque transmission, and provides a unified interface for radial movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each spring element, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved strain distribution through parallel element configuration.
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 effectively addresses the limitations of existing energy converter modules by ensuring even strain distribution across the spring elements, maximizing energy storage and cycle lifetime, and enabling efficient energy release with reduced losses.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter for converting rotational energy to mechanical strain energy in spiral springs
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an energy converter for converting rotational energy to mechanical strain energy in flat spiral springs, the converter unit including: an axle for operatively mounting a plurality of spiral springs having inner ends and outer ends; at least a first and second spiral spring module, each module including one or more spiral springs operatively mounted at each inner end to the axle, one or more of the springs in each of the spiral spring modules having their outer ends operatively connected together with a link extending between the first and second spiral spring modules, wherein the arrangement of radial spiral windings in the first and second spiral spring modules are substantially reflected or mirrored across a plane disposed between the first and second spiral spring modules.