Telescopic Spring Support for Compact Pipeline Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring supports are impractical in applications with limited space due to their extensive height in the load direction, often requiring high spring stiffness which results in limited displacement and potential stress on components, especially in pipeline construction where load variations occur due to temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping spring support design featuring a housing with a stationary and adjustable section, allowing the housing height to change in the load direction, enabling the use of compression springs with low spring constants for resilient support of heavy loads while maintaining a low housing height, and accommodating varying load forces through adjustable positions of the pressure plate and load tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional spring supports are designed to accommodate expansion displacements of up to 10-30 mm, then the housing height in the load direction becomes excessively large, but this is necessary to provide sufficient displacement path for resilient support
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a stationary base housing and a movable sliding housing that can displace relative to each other in the load direction. The sliding housing carries the pressure plate and compression spring, allowing the housing height to dynamically adjust based on the displacement requirements while maintaining a compact base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into two independent parts: the base housing that remains stationary and the sliding housing that moves with the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the displacement path to be achieved through relative motion between segments rather than increasing the overall housing height
2Force
If spring supports are designed for heavy loads with significant displacement requirements, then high spring stiffness is required to support the load, but this limits the displacement capability and may cause stress on components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the use of compression springs with low spring constants by changing the effective housing height parameter through the telescopic mechanism. This allows heavy loads to be supported with low-stiffness springs that provide sufficient displacement, as the sliding housing can extend to accommodate the larger deflection without requiring high spring stiffness
3Length of stationary object
If the housing height is reduced to fit limited space, then the displacement path becomes insufficient for accommodating expansion displacements, but space is limited in many installation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic housing provides dynamic height adjustment, allowing the housing to maintain a compact profile during installation (when space is limited) while providing sufficient displacement path during operation (when expansion forces act). The sliding housing extends only when needed to accommodate the displacement requirements
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 telescoping design provides a compact spring support with a sufficient displacement path and low housing height, suitable for heavy loads, and allows the use of compression springs with a wide load force range, enhancing manufacturing simplicity and adaptability to different load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring is positioned between the pressure plate and the base and exerts a spring force on the pressure plate
Implementation Method 2
The compression spring is pre-tensioned in the direction of the load in every position of the pressure plate within the housing, so that it always presses the pressure plate against the housing towards the top in the direction of the load
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a telescopable spring support (1) which comprises a housing (2), a pressure plate (5), a load pipe (6), and a pressure spring (7) and which is designed to elastically support components in a load direction (X). The housing (2) has a stand side (A) and an upper side (B), and the pressure plate (5) is arranged in the housing (2) and can be moved within the housing (2) in the load direction (X). The pressure spring (7) is arranged between the pressure plate (5) and the stand side (A) and applies a spring force to the pressure plate (5), said spring force being directed towards the upper side (B) in the load direction (X). The load pipe (6) is connected to the pressure plate (5) and, in each position of the pressure plate (5), extends outwards from the interior of the housing (2) through an opening arranged on the upper side (B) of the housing (2). The housing (2) comprises a stand housing (4) and a movable housing (3). The movable housing (3) can be moved towards the stand housing (4) in the load direction (X), wherein the stand housing (4) has a stand side (A), and the movable housing (3) has the opening.