Rotatable Wave Washer Spring Mechanism for Compact Stiffness Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In orthopedic devices such as orthoses and prostheses, there is a challenge in adapting a storage spring to varying energy requirements due to limited installation space, necessitating non-adjustable springs that must be specifically selected for each application, which limits flexibility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A spring device comprising at least two corrugated washers with a spring washer in between, allowing for stepless adjustment by rotating the washers, enabling variable spring deflection and energy storage without increasing the structural volume, achieved through the arrangement of multiple spring washers in series and a sinusoidal wave shape for optimal energy absorption and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-adjustable storage spring is selected to suit a specific application, then the device meets the specific energy requirements, but the adaptability to different applications and changing operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device incorporates adjustable wave disks that can be rotated relative to each other to dynamically change the spring characteristics. This allows the same device to adapt to different energy requirements by adjusting the relative position of the wave disks, eliminating the need for selecting different fixed springs for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the spring system by rotating the wave disks to different angular positions. This alters the effective spring length, stiffness, and energy storage capacity without changing the physical spring itself, enabling continuous adaptation to varying operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the spring stroke is increased to store more energy, then the energy storage capacity improves, but the installation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the angular dimension by rotating the wave disks relative to each other. This allows the spring stroke and energy storage capacity to be adjusted in the rotational dimension without increasing the axial length or radial dimensions of the device, maintaining a compact installation volume while varying energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave disks are designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spring characteristics. This enables the same compact structure to provide variable energy storage capacity by changing the angular position, rather than requiring different physical sizes for different energy requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple spring washers are arranged in series to increase energy storage, then the energy storage capacity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple spring washers into a single integrated spring disk assembly between the wave disks. This combination provides increased energy storage capacity through the stacked spring elements while maintaining a simple, unified structure that does not increase device complexity, as the combined assembly functions as a single adjustable unit.
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 configuration allows for precise adjustment of spring stiffness and energy storage, accommodating different patient needs and activity levels without additional volume, ensuring efficient energy storage and release in a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
there are mechanical energy storage devices that store energy through elastic deformation. To release this energy, the device returns to its original shape; this is therefore an elastic deformation or reversible deformation.
Implementation Method 2
The wave disks are rotatably mounted relative to each other, and the spring disk is flat in an unloaded state and arranged between two rigid wave disks. The rotatable arrangement of the two wave disks, between which the at least one spring disk is located, allows for stepless adjustment to the respective application.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a spring mechanism comprising at least two wave washers (11, 12, 13) and at least one spring washer (20) between the wave washers (11, 12, 13), the wave washers (11, 12, 13) being mounted so as to be twistable relative to one another.