Segmented Gear Torsion Spring Tensioning Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torsion spring tensioning tools for overhead door counterbalancing mechanisms are complex, require numerous operations for mounting, and are prone to wear, leading to inefficiencies and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A torsion spring tensioning tool featuring a gear wheel with axially attachable and detachable segments, a simplified design that reduces the necessary space for connection and allows for easy mounting and removal, utilizing a worm and second gear wheel to transmit rotational movement and reduce human effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional tensioning tool with multiple components is used, then the torsion spring can be tensioned, but the tool becomes complex and requires numerous operations for mounting and connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidtool structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear wheel is divided into two axially separable segments that can be attached and detached from each other. This segmentation allows the first segment to be mounted on the shaft while the second segment can be attached later, simplifying the mounting process and reducing the number of operations required compared to traditional multi-component tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing combines multiple functions into a single structure: it holds the gear mechanism, supports the axially separable gear wheel segments, and provides the fastening means for connecting to the torsion spring. This merging reduces the overall number of separate components compared to traditional tensioning tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a traditional tensioning tool with multiple parts is used, then the torsion spring can be tensioned, but the mounting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gear wheel is divided into two axially separable segments that can be attached and detached from each other. This segmentation allows the first segment to be mounted on the shaft while the second segment can be attached later, simplifying the mounting process and reducing the number of operations required compared to traditional multi-component tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first gear wheel segment is designed to be pre-mounted on the shaft, and the housing is prepared with the gear mechanism in place. This preliminary arrangement allows for quick attachment of the second segment and rapid connection to the torsion spring, significantly reducing mounting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a traditional tensioning tool with multiple components is used, then the torsion spring can be tensioned, but the tool becomes sensitive to wear and has reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidtool lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gear wheel is divided into two axially separable segments that can be attached and detached from each other. This segmentation allows the first segment to be mounted on the shaft while the second segment can be attached later, simplifying the mounting process and reducing the number of operations required compared to traditional multi-component tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The worm gear mechanism provides self-locking capability, maintaining the tensioned state of the torsion spring without requiring continuous external force or complex locking mechanisms. This reduces wear on moving parts and extends tool lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If a traditional tensioning tool is used, then the torsion spring can be tensioned, but the space required for connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing combines multiple functions into a single structure: it holds the gear mechanism, supports the axially separable gear wheel segments, and provides the fastening means for connecting to the torsion spring. This merging reduces the overall number of separate components and the space required for mounting and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates faster and more robust tensioning of torsion springs, enabling easier installation and maintenance, with a longer tool lifespan and reduced space requirements for mounting, allowing counterbalancing mechanisms to be positioned closer to ceilings.

Implementation Method 1

a gear mechanism adapted to rotate the gear wheel. The gear wheel is adapted to be mounted on a shaft of the counterbalancing mechanism. The gear wheel comprises a fastening means adapted to be connected to the torsion spring of the counterbalancing mechanism and transmit a rotational movement from the gear wheel to the torsion spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a worm and second gear wheel to transmit rotational movement and reduce human effort

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentEP3158153B1Tensioning tool
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYST AB
  • EP3158153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3158153B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3158153B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A torsion spring tensioning tool (10) for tensioning a torsion spring of a counterbalancing mechanism of an overhead door. The torsion spring tensioning tool (10) comprises a housing (20), a gear wheel (60) rotatably arranged in the housing (20) and a gear mechanism (40) adapted to rotate the gear wheel (60). The gear wheel (60) is adapted to be mounted on a shaft of the counterbalancing mechanism. The gear wheel (60) comprises a fastening means (91) adapted to be connected to the torsion spring of the counterbalancing mechanism and transmit a rotational movement from the gear wheel (60) to the torsion spring. The gear wheel (60) comprises a first wheel segment (71) and a second wheel segment (72), which second wheel segment (72) is axially attachable to and axially detachable from the first wheel segment (71). The first wheel segment (71) is adapted to be mounted on the shaft of the counterbalancing mechanism when the second wheel segment (72) is in a detached state.