Swing Spring Assembly for Low-Friction Rotation and Quiet Bounce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swing springs inhibit rotational movement, experience high friction and binding, and generate noise, limiting the functionality and user experience of playground swings.
Innovation Solution
A spring system comprising a slider plate, compression spring, and guide rods with a one-way thrust bearing, allowing the swing to rotate freely with reduced friction and noise, and incorporating polymeric bushings for enhanced movement and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional swing spring is used, then the swing can bounce vertically, but the swing cannot rotate freely about a vertical axis due to high friction and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into separate functional components: a vertical compression spring for bouncing, a thrust bearing for rotation, and a slider plate for guiding motion. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, enabling both vertical bouncing and horizontal rotation without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring assembly and the swing seat. This bearing mediates the interaction between vertical spring force and horizontal rotational motion, allowing the swing to rotate freely while the spring maintains vertical support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid spring connection is used, then the swing structure is stable, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
Polymeric bushings are introduced as intermediary elements between metal components. These bushings maintain the structural stability needed for safe operation while absorbing vibrations and preventing metal-to-metal contact, thereby eliminating noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines metal components (for structural strength and stability) with polymeric bushings (for noise reduction and smooth operation). This composite material approach allows the structure to maintain rigidity where needed while incorporating damping materials where noise and friction are concerns.
3Device complexity
If a simple spring mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the swing experiences high friction and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into distinct functional units: compression spring, thrust bearing, and slider plate. While this increases component count, each component remains simple in design, and together they solve the friction and binding problems that plague simpler integrated spring mechanisms.
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 enables smooth, responsive rotational and vertical movement of the swing with reduced friction, noise, and binding, providing a more enjoyable and functional playground experience.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring, allowing for smooth vertical movement and rotational freedom
Implementation Method 2
A spring system comprising a slider plate, compression spring, and guide rods with a one-way thrust bearing, allowing for smooth vertical movement and rotational freedom with reduced friction and noise
Implementation Method 3
optionally incorporating polymeric bushings for enhanced performance
Data Source
AI summary
A swing spring comprises a first plate or top, a second plate or bottom, guide rods extending between and connected to the first plate and the second plate, a third slider or slider plate slidable along an axis along the guide rods between the first plate and the second plate, a compression spring captured between the third plate and the second plate, a first hook rotatably coupled to the first plate by a thrust bearing and extending in a first direction along the axis, and a second hook coupled to the third plate and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction through the second plate.