Oval-Pivot Torsion Spring Assembly for Compact Custom Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torsion-springs are complex to manufacture, prone to fatigue, and limited in applications requiring compact assemblies and specialized torque profiles.
Innovation Solution
A torsion-spring assembly utilizing an oval-pivot and knuckle-eye design that generates restoring-torque through elastic-deformation, eliminating coiled-elements and allowing customizable torque-characteristics by varying geometry and material-properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional helical torsion-springs are used, then torque generation capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and fatigue resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coiled wire element from the torsion spring design, retaining only the essential torque-generating function through the oval pivot's geometric deformation. This removes the complex helical structure that causes manufacturing difficulties and fatigue issues, while preserving the core functionality of torque generation through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coiled spring system with a geometric deformation system based on the oval pivot. Instead of relying on the elastic properties of coiled wire, the invention uses the inherent geometric properties of the oval cross-section to generate restoring torque, substituting a complex mechanical structure with a simpler geometric mechanism.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional coiled torsion-springs are used, then torque storage and release is achieved, but assembly compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional coiled structure to a two-dimensional geometric deformation mechanism. The oval pivot utilizes planar geometric properties (the difference between major and minor axes) to generate torque, effectively reducing the spatial requirements while maintaining energy storage capability through elastic deformation of the pivot body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pivot and spring functions into a single integrated oval pivot component. The pivot simultaneously serves as the rotation axis and the elastic element that stores and releases torque energy, eliminating the need for separate coiled spring components and reducing overall assembly volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional torsion-springs are used, then standard torque profiles are achieved, but adaptability to specialized torque profiles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables torque profile customization by varying geometric parameters of the oval pivot (major axis, minor axis, wall thickness) and material properties. By changing these parameters, different torque characteristics can be achieved without fundamentally altering the design concept, providing high adaptability while maintaining design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows different sections of the oval pivot to have different wall thicknesses or material properties to achieve specialized torque profiles. This local variation in properties enables customization of the torque characteristic curve while keeping the overall structure simple and the manufacturing process straightforward.
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
Simplifies manufacturing, reduces fatigue, and enables adaptable torque-output in compact designs with enhanced durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the geometric-mismatch between the knuckle-eye's hole and the pivot induces elastic shear-strain in the knuckle-eye. This shear-strain induces a shear-stress, which in turn generates a restoring-torque
Data Source
AI summary
Conventional torsion-springs store and release rotational-energy to apply torque for restoring components to a stable-equilibrium orientation but are often intricate to manufacture, fatigue-prone, bulky and unsuitable for complex torque-profiles. The present invention discloses a torsion-spring assembly comprising a pivot with an oval cross-section rigidly attached to a platform (1) and a lever-arm (6) with an integrated knuckle-eye (4,5). The pivot consists of circular and continuous non-circular semi-cylindrical sections (2) and (3), seamlessly joined along identical surfaces formed by splitting along respective diametral-planes, ensuring structural continuity. The knuckle-eye, featuring a complementary oval-hole, is mounted onto the pivot, enabling controlled rotation. The geometric-mismatch induces elastic-deformation in the knuckle-eye upon rotation (B), generating shear strain and stress, which produce a restoring-torque (T) opposing the rotation. This design enables compactness, precise torque control, reduced fatigue, simplified manufacturing, and adaptability for complex torque responses or multiple stable-equilibrium orientations.