Spring Restraining Clip With Segmented Open and Closed Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring restraining clips are stiff, require excessive force for assembly, and are prone to spring detachment due to weight-induced deformation of spring seat locking pawls, making them difficult to use and inefficient, especially when dealing with large spring diameters.
Innovation Solution
A spring restraining clip with three circumferentially placed spring restraining members, including two open-type members for clamping and one closed member with a loop structure and obliquely extending spring tab for thrust, along with radially extending spring locking pawls to prevent deformation and diagonal orientation to prevent member turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple spring restraining members are used to increase restraining force, then the spring restraining force is improved, but the device becomes stiffer and requires greater assembly force
Solution Approach 1:
The spring restraining members are segmented into two distinct types: open-type members (with gaps) for clamping springs, and a closed-type member (loop structure) for accepting spring tips through rotational movement. This segmentation allows each type to perform its specific function optimally without requiring excessive force, resolving the contradiction between restraining force and assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spring restraining clip have different structural qualities: the open-type restraining members have gaps that allow easy spring insertion with minimal force, while the closed-type member provides rotational acceptance for spring tips. This local differentiation of structural properties enables the system to achieve high restraining force where needed while maintaining ease of operation where springs are inserted.
2Strength
If spring seat locking pawls are added to increase retention force, then the spring seat retention force is improved, but the device complexity and manual work burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring seat locking pawls are integrated directly into the spring restraining clip body rather than being separate components. This merging of functions allows the locking mechanism to be achieved without adding significant device complexity, as the pawls are formed as part of the clip's structure rather than being additional detachable parts.
3Volume of moving object
If spring restraining members are disposed on a diagonal line, then the structural compactness is improved, but the spring insertion difficulty increases and members may turn up
Solution Approach 1:
The spring restraining members are positioned asymmetrically around the clip's circumference rather than on a diagonal line, with specific angular spacing that prevents member turning during insertion. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the diagonal placement of the closed-type member, maintains compactness while ensuring that members do not rotate during spring insertion, thereby facilitating easier operation.
4Volume of moving object
If the spring inner diameter is large, then the spring capacity is improved, but the spring insertion difficulty increases when members are on a diagonal line
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of open-type members (for initial spring engagement) and a closed-type member (for final rotational acceptance) provides a two-stage insertion process that accommodates large spring inner diameters. The open types allow easy initial placement, and the closed type accepts the spring tip through rotation, making the overall insertion process easier even for large-diameter springs.
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
Reduces worker burden, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures reliable spring restraint and retention, even with large spring diameters, by facilitating easier insertion and preventing pawl damage and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
one of the spring restraining members is a closed spring restraining member that accepts the tip of a coil spring due to rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the coil spring inserted in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
It is structured so that said spring tab will contact the coil spring to apply thrust force to the coil spring
Implementation Method 3
two of the aforementioned spring restraining members are the open type of spring restraining member structured so as to clasp and hold coil springs inserted in the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A spring restraining clip (1) for mounting the axial terminus of a coil spring (10) on the chassis via a spring seat. At least two of three spring restraining members that are separately placed in the circumferential direction are the open type of spring restraining member (11, 13) structured so as to clasp and hold coil springs inserted in the axial direction, and one of the spring restraining members is a closed spring restraining member (14) that accepts the tip of a coil spring due to rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the coil spring inserted in the axial direction.