Rotating Jaw Support for Spring-Damper Assembly Machines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coil spring compressors require extensive setup and occupy significant space due to the need for multiple support accessories, leading to increased downtime and workload during vehicle suspension assembly and disassembly tasks.

Innovation Solution

A device with a connecting element and adjustable jaws that can rotate about a horizontal axis, allowing for universal use with various spring-damper assemblies by varying distance and angular position, eliminating the need for multiple accessories and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support accessories (C-shaped brackets, vises) are provided for different spring types, then the machine can handle various spring-damper assemblies, but the machine occupies more space and requires extensive setup operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different spring-damper assembliesVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal supporting device with a rotatable crossmember that can accommodate different spring diameters and inclinations through a single multi-functional structure. The crossmember can rotate about a horizontal axis and the vises can oscillate on the horizontal plane, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized accessories (C-shaped brackets of different diameters, left-handed and right-handed brackets, and vises for gripping shock absorber stems). This universal design eliminates the need to store multiple accessories and reduces the space required while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support accessories are provided for different spring configurations, then the machine can adapt to various spring types, but the setup time and operator workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different spring configurationsVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the crossmember can rotate about a horizontal axis and the vises can oscillate on the horizontal plane. This dynamic capability allows the operator to quickly adapt the device to different spring diameters and inclinations by simply rotating or oscillating the components rather than physically changing accessories. The automatic adaptation through rotation and oscillation minimizes setup time and reduces operator workload while maintaining versatility across different spring configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support accessories are accommodated near the machine, then the machine can handle various spring types, but the overall space required for installation and use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to handle various spring typesVSAvoidoverall space required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate support accessories (C-shaped brackets of different diameters, left-handed and right-handed brackets, and vises for gripping shock absorber stems) into a single integrated supporting device. The device combines a rotatable crossmember with oscillating vises that can perform the functions of all the separate accessories. This consolidation eliminates the need to accommodate multiple accessories near the machine, significantly reducing the overall space required for installation and use while maintaining the capability to handle various spring types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3738715B1Device for supporting spring-damper assemblies for machines for assembling/disassembling vehicle suspensions
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 GOVONI SRL
  • EP3738715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3738715B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3738715B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for supporting spring-damper assemblies for machines (100) for assembling/disassembling vehicle suspensions, of the type comprising a frame (101) for supporting presser means (102) for the compression/release of the spring of a spring-damper assembly, a connecting element (2) which can be associated with the frame (101) of the machine (100) and means (3) for supporting a pair of jaws (4) which can move in an alternating manner mutually closer/apart and are adapted to form a resting surface (S) of the lower turn of a spring of a spring-damper assembly being processed. Furthermore, the supporting means (3) of the jaws (4) are associated with the connecting element (2) so as to be orientable around a substantially horizontal rotation axis (A).