Spring Guide Rod Assembly for Precise Alignment in Control Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spring guiding devices in control mechanisms suffer from poor quality of spring alignment, leading to deformation and stress on parts, which results in degradation and cracking, especially during opening and closing phases.

Innovation Solution

A spring guiding device with two sliding elements connected to axes, where each element is fixed by one end and slidably mounted on the other, with sheath-forming parts that guide the spring, ensuring correct alignment and reducing stress, and allowing for easy installation and dismantling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional guiding means with orifices and rivets are used, then the device structure is simple, but poor spring alignment quality occurs leading to spring peening and part degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring alignment qualityVSAvoidguiding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized guiding device with sheath-forming parts as an intermediary element between the spring and the connecting rods. This mediator ensures proper alignment of the spring force with its trajectory, preventing direct harmful contact between the spring and traditional orifices/rivets, thereby eliminating spring peening while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the guiding structure by using sheath-forming parts that extend over a specific length (substantially half the length of the rods). This parameter change optimizes the guidance of the spring, ensuring correct alignment without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sheath-forming parts extending over half the rod length are used, then spring alignment is improved and deformation reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lifespanVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the guiding function and the structural support function into a single integrated sheath-forming part. This part simultaneously guides the spring and provides structural support, eliminating the need for separate guiding components and simplifying the manufacturing process while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath-forming parts serve multiple functions: they guide the spring, align the spring force with its trajectory, support the rod ends, and prevent harmful movements. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process while enhancing device reliability.

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

3Reliability

If proper spring guidance is implemented, then spring deformation is reduced and part lifespan extended, but device dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart lifespanVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the guiding function in specific sheath-forming parts located only where needed (at the ends of the rods). This localized approach provides proper spring guidance and protection only in the critical areas, avoiding unnecessary increases in overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution achieves correct alignment of spring force with its trajectory, minimizing deformation and stress on parts, reducing overall dimensions, and extending the lifespan of the device without visible wear after 20,000 operations.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring mounted around these two elements and supported by its two opposite ends respectively on the two aforementioned axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the two aforementioned sheath-forming parts constitute by their external surface a means for guiding the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3339673B1Device for guiding a spring in a control mechanism and electrical protection apparatus comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3339673B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3339673B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3339673B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a spring guide device belonging to a control mechanism, this device comprising two elements capable of sliding relative to each other and being articulated respectively to two axes, at least one of which is mechanically connected to a drive shaft, and a compression spring mounted around these two elements and supported by its two opposite ends respectively on the two aforementioned axes by means of two bases, each of its bases being articulated relative to one of the aforementioned axes. This device is characterized in that it comprises two rods (4, 5), each rod being fixed by one (4a, 5a) of its ends to one of the aforementioned bases (6, 7), and being slidably mounted by its opposite end (4b, 5b) relative to the other of the aforementioned bases (7, 6).