Planar Spring with Arc Segments for Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torsion springs used in mobile terminal slide driving modules have stress concentration issues and are not suitable for thinning due to their thickness and limited driving distance, which hinders the miniaturization and functionality of mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

A spring design combining a compression spring portion and a torsion spring portion, where both are located in the same plane, comprising straight and arc segments, effectively distributing stress and reducing thickness, allowing for increased driving range and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional torsion spring is used, then the spring strength is high and the life time is long, but the spring thickness is thicker and the driving distance is too short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring strengthVSAvoidspring thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into multiple arc segments (first arc segment, second arc segment, third arc segment) connected by straight segments. This segmentation allows the spring to distribute stress across multiple deformation zones, maintaining high spring strength while reducing the overall thickness of the spring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring transitions from a conventional three-dimensional spiral torsion spring to a substantially planar structure with multiple arc segments arranged in sequence. This dimensional change from volumetric spiral to planar configuration reduces the thickness direction dimension while maintaining the torsional functionality through the arc segment deformations.

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

2Strength

If a conventional torsion spring is used, then the spring strength is high and the life time is long, but the driving distance is too short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring strengthVSAvoiddriving distance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into multiple arc segments (first arc segment, second arc segment, third arc segment) connected by straight segments. This segmentation allows the spring to distribute stress across multiple deformation zones, maintaining high spring strength while reducing the overall thickness of the spring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring transitions from a conventional three-dimensional spiral torsion spring to a substantially planar structure with multiple arc segments arranged in sequence. This dimensional change from volumetric spiral to planar configuration reduces the thickness direction dimension while maintaining the torsional functionality through the arc segment deformations.

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

3Length of moving object

If the spring main body is located in the same plane, then the spring thickness is reduced, but the stress concentration needs to be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring thicknessVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into multiple arc segments (first arc segment, second arc segment, third arc segment) connected by straight segments. This segmentation allows the spring to distribute stress across multiple deformation zones, maintaining high spring strength while reducing the overall thickness of the spring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different segments of the spring have different functional characteristics - arc segments are designed for deformation and stress distribution, while straight segments provide structural connectivity. This local differentiation of properties allows the planar spring to achieve both thinness and stress distribution without concentration points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 combined spring design reduces stress concentration, increases spring life, and facilitates the thinning of mobile terminal components, enabling longer driving distances and improved module performance.

Implementation Method 1

during elastic deformation, a plurality of arc segments of the torsion spring deform, in which the stress is uniform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2425146B1Spring and spring assembly
Publication Date: 2014.04.02 BYD CO LTD
  • EP2425146B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2425146B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2425146B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention disclosed a spring and a spring assembly formed by the spring. The spring which comprises a first end, a second end, and a spring main body connected between the first end and the second end, in which the spring main body comprises a compression spring portion and a torsion spring portion, and the spring main body is substantially located in a same plane. The spring according to the present invention comprises a compression spring portion and a torsion spring portion, so that a plurality of segments of the spring deforms during deformation of the spring, the stress is allocated among the plurality of segments and the spring life is increased. In addition, the spring thickness may be reduced, which is advantageous for thinning of the spring driving module and mobile terminal.