Motorized Strut Compressor Adaptor for Safer Spring Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual spring compressors require high physical exertion, leading to operator injury and inefficiency, and are difficult to position safely and conveniently, with existing technologies lacking motorization and effective integration with electric pipe threaders.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical adaptor combining a metal unitary hub with a motorized electric pipe threader to enable motorized operation of non-motorized spring compressors, allowing for efficient and safe compression of springs by integrating the electric pipe threader with the spring compressor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual operation of spring compressor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator physical exertion increases leading to injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical turning mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motorized unit includes an electric motor coupled to a drive mechanism that automatically rotates the threaded shaft, eliminating the need for operator physical exertion and reducing injury risk while maintaining the overall mechanical structure of the spring compressor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual turning mechanism is lowered to ground for accessibility, then ease of operation improves, but functionality is compromised due to inability to load strut assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidstrut assembly loading capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the manual turning mechanism with a motorized unit, the device can maintain its optimal loading position without requiring the operator to lean over or reach awkwardly. The motorized operation allows the device to remain in a position that facilitates proper strut assembly loading while eliminating the need for manual intervention at difficult-to-reach locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spring compressor is oriented vertically for proper loading, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty reaching manual turning mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper loading orientationVSAvoidaccessibility to turning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized unit eliminates the need for operator access to the turning mechanism, allowing the spring compressor to be positioned vertically for optimal strut assembly loading without compromising operator accessibility. The electric motor and drive mechanism are integrated into the device structure, removing the accessibility constraint entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If manual operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operator fatigue and limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidspring compression speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor-driven system enables continuous operation without operator fatigue, significantly increasing the speed and consistency of spring compression. The motorized unit can maintain constant rotational speed and torque, eliminating the variations and delays associated with manual operation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces operator fatigue and injury risk, increases operational speed and consistency, and facilitates safer and more convenient spring compression by eliminating the need for manual shaft turning.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor, which may be coupled to a drive mechanism for raising and lowering the threaded shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a threaded shaft to compress a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20240009818A1Adaptor and method for motorized operation of a spring compressor

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 VERBOWSKI LARRY

AI summary

A mechanical adaptor to enable the motorization of an otherwise non-motorized strut compressor for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly of the type having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring. The adaptor when used in combination with an electric pipe threader and an otherwise non-motorized strut compressor enables a method for the motorized compression and release of strut springs using the otherwise non-motorized strut compressor.