Optical Measurement of Spiral Spring Oscillation Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the oscillation behavior of spiral springs in mechanical movements are invasive, time-consuming, and not suitable for automated assembly lines, making it difficult to ensure consistent and optimized oscillation behavior.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring method that captures the deflection of adjacent turns relative to each other during oscillatory movement by varying the spacing between turns, allowing for non-invasive, non-contact measurement and optimization of the spiral spring's geometry for improved oscillation behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional invasive measurement methods are used to determine oscillation behavior, then measurement data can be obtained, but the measurement process is time-consuming and not suitable for automated assembly lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement methods with non-contact optical measurement. A camera captures images of the spiral spring during oscillation, and image processing algorithms automatically determine oscillation width and frequency. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact sensors that slow down production, enabling automated quality control on assembly lines while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral spring's own oscillation movement serves as the measurement mechanism. By allowing the spring to oscillate freely and capturing its natural motion through optical means, the system uses the object's inherent behavior for self-measurement. This eliminates the need for external actuation devices or complex test fixtures that would complicate the measurement process and reduce productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If constant spacing between adjacent turns is used in spiral spring design, then manufacturing is simplified, but optical capture of deflection during oscillation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local variation in the spiral spring geometry by creating a turn section with variable spacing between adjacent turns, while the rest of the spring maintains constant spacing for simplified manufacturing. This localized geometric feature acts as an optical reference that amplifies the visual signal during oscillation, making it easier for the camera to detect and measure deflection. The variable spacing section creates a distinctive pattern that enhances measurement capability without requiring redesign of the entire spring.
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
Enables precise and automated determination of the oscillation width and frequency of spiral springs, ensuring consistent and optimized oscillation behavior, which is critical for the accuracy and quality of mechanical movements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measuring method for determining the oscillation width of a spiral spring with several turns
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spiral spring (100), suitable for use in an optical measuring method according to any one of the preceding claims, with several turns (110) which extend along respective circular paths forming a spiral course, wherein the spiral spring (100) can be stimulated to an oscillatory movement, in particular for clocking a mechanical movement, with adjacent turns (110) being deflected relative to each other along their respective circular paths by an angular displacement (β), It is the object of the present invention to determine the oscillation behavior of spiral springs based on characteristic geometries, and, in particular, to provide a non-invasive, non-contact measuring method which can be used in automated assembly lines in line assembly in movement production. The object is achieved in that the spacing (x) between the adjacent turns (110) varies at least along a measuring section corresponding to the angular displacement (β).