Spring Compressor Actuator for Damper Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring compressor apparatuses are unable to effectively compress suspension springs and move dampers to the necessary attachment points, making it difficult to bolt dampers to both suspension and body portions in vehicle manufacturing or repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A spring compressor device with a first mating arm for the subframe component and a second mating arm for the moveable suspension component, equipped with an actuator to compress the suspension spring and move the damper to the correct position for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing spring compressor apparatuses are used to compress the suspension spring, then the spring compression function is achieved, but the damper cannot be moved sufficiently close to the attachment points for easy bolting
Solution Approach 1:
The spring compressor apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only compresses the suspension spring but also moves the damper to the correct position for attachment. The apparatus includes a first arm that engages the subframe, a second arm that engages the damper, and an actuator that coordinates both spring compression and damper positioning, making the device versatile enough to handle both functions with a single tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The second arm of the apparatus acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the damper. It transfers the motion generated by the actuator to the damper, enabling precise positioning of the damper relative to the attachment points while the same actuator simultaneously compresses the spring through the first arm.
2Ease of operation
If the suspension spring is compressed to move the damper closer to attachment points, then the positioning capability is improved, but the distance between mating arms increases requiring larger device size
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic arm mechanisms that can adjust their length and configuration during operation. The arms are designed to accommodate the changing distance requirements as the spring is compressed and the damper is repositioned, allowing the device to adapt its geometry to the varying spatial requirements of the task.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus features nested or telescoping arm structures that allow the distance between mating arms to be adjusted. The arms can extend or retract to match the required separation distance, enabling the device to handle both the initial uncompressed state and the compressed state with appropriate arm configurations.
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 easy installation of dampers by compressing the suspension spring and moving the damper to the required attachment points, facilitating secure bolting between the suspension and body components.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to move the second mating arm toward the first mating arm so as to compress the suspension spring
Data Source
AI summary
A spring compressor including a first mating arm in configured to mate with a subframe component of a vehicle, a second mating arm configured to mate with a moveable suspension component of the vehicle, wherein the suspension arm carries a suspension spring, and an actuator configured move the second mating arm toward the first mating arm to compress the suspension spring, so as to facilitate installation of a part, such as a damper. The disclosure also provides a method of joining a damper or similar part with a suspension component, such as a suspension arm, and with a body portion of the vehicle, including mating the first mating arm with the subframe component, mating the second mating arm with the suspension component, actuating the actuator to move the second mating arm toward the first mating arm so as to move the suspension arm, and securing the damper to the vehicle.