Vehicle Suspension Spring Spreader with Kinetically Spinning Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical apparatus for spreading the vertical space between adjacent turns of a vehicle's suspension spring are cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly during initial setup and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A specially configured internally helically threaded nut with orbiting spreader arm engaging ends, which kinetically spins on a rotatable jack screw, allowing for quick setup and efficient splaying of the spring turns by retracting pivot arms and driving a nut distally to wedge the arms between the spring turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical apparatus are used for spreading suspension spring turns, then the spring turns can be spread vertically, but the apparatus are difficult, cumbersome, and time consuming to set up and calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed to dynamically transition between two operational modes: manual spinning for quick setup/calibration and wrench-driven rotation for spring spreading. This dynamic adaptability allows the same component to serve different functions based on the operational phase, eliminating the need for separate setup procedures and reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The internally helically threaded nut serves multiple functions: it acts as both a manual adjustment mechanism (when spun by hand) and a powered spreading mechanism (when driven by wrench on the jack screw). This multi-functionality consolidates setup and operation into a single apparatus, reducing complexity and setup time while maintaining effectiveness.
2Productivity
If traditional spring spreaders are used, then the spring turns can be spread, but the apparatus are cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the base frame with spacer block, the jack screw for powered motion, the internally threaded nut for motion conversion, and the pivot arms with C-channels for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The internally helically threaded nut acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the jack screw into the linear distal motion required to splay the pivot arms. This intermediary component enables smooth, controlled arm movement without requiring complex linkages or mechanisms, thereby improving ease of use while maintaining productivity.
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
Facilitates speedy initial tool setup and efficient vertical spreading of suspension spring turns, enabling quick installation of a spacer block between the spring coils, reducing setup time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
The instant inventive spring spreader preferably further incorporates an internally helically threaded nut which is fitted for threaded engagement of the jack screw. Opposite orbiting ends of such nut are preferably configured as outwardly opening 'C' channels which may slidably or rollably receive inner faces of the upper and lower pivot arms.
Implementation Method 2
The wrench driven arm splaying action of the tool advantageously forcefully engages the hooked ends of the pivot arms against the adjacent turns of the spring, effectively driving them vertically away from each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for spreading a vehicle suspension spring, the tool incorporating a base having upper and lower ends; upper and lower arms, each such arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the upper arm's proximal end being pivotally attached to the base's upper end and the lower arm's proximal end being pivotally attached to the base's lower end, and each arm's distal end being adapted for engaging the spring; a screw mounted rotatably upon the base, the screw extending distally between the upper and lower arms; and a nut threadedly mounted upon the screw, the nut having upper and lower ends adapted for slidably engaging the upper and lower arms, the nut being kinetically spinnable for longitudinally repositioning between the upper and lower arms.