Nested Leaf Spring Assembly for High Stroke in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spring configurations, such as helical coil springs, require larger dimensions to achieve equivalent force/deflection characteristics, making them unsuitable for dimensionally-constrained applications where high stiffness and high stroke are needed in a small space.
Innovation Solution
The use of compact tunable leaf spring assemblies (CTLSAs) with nested leaf springs that extend from one end to another within a perimeter, allowing for adjustable force/deflection characteristics and high stiffness in a small format, by varying parameters like spring thickness, width, and housing dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional helical coil springs are used to achieve high force/deflection characteristics, then the spring can provide the required stiffness and stroke, but the spring requires larger dimensions that make it unsuitable for dimensionally-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested leaf springs where multiple leaf springs are arranged concentrically within each other, similar to nested dolls. This configuration allows multiple active elements to occupy a compact radial space while each spring contributes to the overall force/deflection characteristics, achieving high performance in a small volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional helical coil spring geometry to a planar leaf spring configuration with loops extending in opposite directions. This dimensional change from three-dimensional coiled structure to two-dimensional planar structure with vertical loops enables compact packaging while maintaining high stiffness and stroke through the loop geometry
2Volume of moving object
If the spring configuration is compacted to fit constrained spaces, then the spring size is reduced, but achieving equivalent force/deflection characteristics becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nested leaf springs allow the system to pack significant spring material and active length into a compact volume. Each nested spring contributes additional force capacity while the nested arrangement minimizes the overall envelope dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization of force/deflection characteristics by varying parameters such as leaf spring thickness, width, material properties, and loop geometry. This parameter adjustability allows optimization of force output within the constrained compact dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spring configurations are used, then the spring can provide standard force characteristics, but the spring cannot be easily customized for specific force profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves force profile customization by modifying geometric parameters of the leaf springs including thickness, width, loop size, and material properties. These parameter variations allow tailoring of force/deflection characteristics without fundamentally changing the basic nested leaf spring configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf springs are divided into multiple segments or leaves that can be individually configured with different properties. This segmentation allows each leaf to contribute differently to the overall force profile, enabling complex customized force characteristics through combination of simpler elements
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
CTLSAs provide a customizable solution for devices with constrained spaces, enabling high displacement and tunable force profiles, reducing the size requirements by up to two times compared to traditional springs while maintaining equivalent performance.
Implementation Method 1
One or more leaf springs can be positioned as a biasing agent to receive and deliver forces between the first portion and second portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present description relates to devices that include portions that are moveable relative to one another. One example device includes a leaf spring positioned to receive forces between a first portion and a second portion. The leaf spring can extend from a first end to a second end and can define a perimeter where the first end and the second end are contained within the perimeter and the first end and the second end are not secured to either the first portion or the second portion.