Planar Torsional Spring Structure for Linear Torque Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planar torsional springs face challenges in achieving linear response, ease of modeling, and versatility due to issues like radial stress, asymmetry, and inefficiency in transmitting torsional loads, particularly in compact designs required for wearable robotics and other advanced mechanical applications.
Innovation Solution
A planar torsional spring design featuring a unitary body with a beam-shaped pattern and serpentine linking portions between main radial members, eliminating the need for integral rings and allowing for balanced stress distribution by connecting at radially external or internal ends, enabling efficient torque transmission and easy design modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a planar torsional spring with coil configuration is used, then the spring can be compact, but the lack of symmetry and radial stresses compromise performance and design efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The spring body is segmented into multiple identical modules arranged symmetrically around the central axis. Each module contains beam-shaped elements that are identical in geometry and material properties, creating a symmetric structure that eliminates radial stresses while maintaining compactness. The segmentation into modular units allows for balanced load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention intentionally introduces symmetry where prior art had asymmetry. The beam-shaped elements are arranged in a symmetric pattern around the central axis, with identical geometric parameters and material properties. This symmetric configuration ensures uniform stress distribution and eliminates the radial stresses that plagued asymmetric coil designs.
2Ease of operation
If radial members expand with lobed formations or serpentine patterns, then the spring can transmit torque, but the complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each module contains beam-shaped elements with specific local geometric properties optimized for torque transmission. The beams have uniform cross-sections and identical dimensions within each module, creating localized elastic elements that are easy to model. The local quality of each beam is consistent, allowing for simplified analytical modeling while maintaining effective torque transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring deforms differently depending on rotation direction, then the spring can accommodate bidirectional torque, but the stiffness generating elements touch one another increasing rigidity below the load limit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic interaction between stiffness generating elements by designing them to operate independently. Each beam-shaped element in a module deforms independently without touching adjacent elements during normal operation. The modular design with sufficient spacing prevents element-to-element contact, maintaining consistent rigidity characteristics for both clockwise and counter-clockwise torque directions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If integral rings are used to connect radial members, then the spring structure is complete, but the stress balance is compromised and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement with integral rings to a three-dimensional modular configuration. The modules are stacked or arranged along the axial direction, with beam-shaped elements connecting concentric rings in a manner that distributes stresses uniformly. This dimensional change allows for better stress balance while maintaining structural completeness.
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 design achieves linear load-deflection behavior, improved stress balance, and increased rigidity with reduced dimensions and weight, facilitating accurate modeling and versatile use in applications like wearable robotics, with enhanced reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a system of mainly radial evolving elements that join such rings and that with their elastic bending have the transmission task
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the present invention is a new configuration of torsional spring with a flat structure, capable of ensuring response linearity, modelling ease and accuracy, versatile use while safeguarding the possibility of the inner passage of wiring or of any accessory components along the transmission/torsion axis.