Spring Arm Geometry for Compact Tolerance Compensation Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating tolerances between components are limited by the size of the spring element, which restricts the effective transmission of torque and scalability, and can be damaged during insertion of the connecting means.
Innovation Solution
A spring element with at least one spring arm having end regions farther from the central axis than the intermediate section, featuring radially protruding corners that engage with the compensating element, allowing for efficient torque transmission and easy scalability, and preventing rotation to ensure secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional spring element is used, then the device can transmit torque, but the spring element size is restricted from below and the device cannot be scaled to smaller sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is segmented into multiple spring arms (at least three) that are connected to each other, allowing the torque transmission function to be distributed across multiple smaller components rather than requiring a single large spring element
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms extend radially outward from the central axis, utilizing the radial dimension to create leverage for torque transmission. The end regions of the spring arms are positioned at greater radial distances than intermediate sections, optimizing the moment arm for torque transmission while maintaining compact overall dimensions
2Volume of moving object
If the spring element is made compact, then the device becomes scalable to smaller sizes, but the connecting means may be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are pre-configured with end regions that have greater radial distance than intermediate sections, creating natural guidance features that align the connecting means during insertion before the connecting means encounters the compact spring element structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms act as intermediaries between the connecting means and the compensating element, with their specially configured end regions serving as protective guides that prevent direct damaging contact between the connecting means and the compact spring element structure
3Device complexity
If the spring element uses equal distances from the central axis, then the structure is simpler, but torque transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the spring arms have different radial distances from the central axis: end regions have greater radial distance for optimized torque transmission, while intermediate sections have smaller radial distance for compactness. This local variation in geometry optimizes both torque transmission and structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms exhibit asymmetric geometry relative to the central axis, with end regions positioned at greater radial distances than intermediate sections. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the moment arm for torque transmission at the critical end regions while maintaining compact intermediate sections
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 design enhances torque transmission efficiency, allows for compact and scalable spring elements, and facilitates easy insertion of the connecting means without damaging the spring element, ensuring reliable torque transfer and secure mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which is arranged in the passage of the compensating element and comprises at least one spring arm which, seen in its longitudinal direction, has two opposite end regions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring element for a device for compensating for tolerances between a first and a second component, characterized by at least one spring arm which has two opposite end regions along its longitudinal direction, wherein at least one of the end regions has a greater distance from a longitudinal central axis of the spring element than an intermediate section of the spring arm between the end regions, and wherein at least one of the end regions forms a corner which protrudes radially outwards.