Telescoping Spring Nested Design for Compact Force Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional springs lose their elastic properties when compressed beyond their maximum elasticity point, limiting their effective use in applications requiring compact size and controlled force delivery, such as in drivers for plungers.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping spring system with a nested inner spring that utilizes the unused volume inside an outer spring, featuring staged release mechanisms to maximize effective length in the relaxed state and minimize length in the loaded state, with options for same or different spring constants and both mechanical and electronic control systems for precise force delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single spring is compressed to minimize size in loaded state, then the device size is reduced, but the spring loses elastic properties when compressed beyond maximum elasticity point
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into multiple separate springs (first spring, second spring, third spring) with different spring constants. Each spring operates within its elastic limits independently, preventing any single spring from being over-compressed beyond its maximum elasticity point while maintaining overall compact size when all springs are compressed together.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller springs are positioned inside the outer dimensions of larger springs. This nesting allows multiple springs to occupy the same spatial envelope, minimizing the overall device volume in the loaded state while each spring maintains its own operational characteristics within elastic limits.
2Reliability
If multiple springs are used to maintain elastic properties, then spring reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple springs with different spring constants are combined into a single integrated delivery system with unified control mechanisms. The electronic control system manages all springs through a single interface, and the mechanical components are integrated to work together as one cohesive unit, reducing operational complexity despite having multiple springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system is designed to provide multiple functions: different springs can be selected based on required force profiles, the system can operate in different delivery modes (immediate release, timed release, staged release), and the same basic structure accommodates varying spring configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different applications.
3Volume of moving object
If springs are compressed to minimum length, then device size is minimized, but the effective length in relaxed state is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The springs are arranged in a nested configuration where inner springs are positioned within the outer dimensions of outer springs. This allows the springs to achieve maximum compression (minimum length) while maintaining their full extended length potential when relaxed, as each spring's full length is preserved within the nested structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a three-dimensional nested configuration. This dimensional change allows the springs to pack more efficiently in the compressed state while maintaining their full operational length when extended, effectively utilizing spatial volume rather than just linear dimension.
4Speed
If immediate force delivery is used, then delivery speed is improved, but controlled force delivery over time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system enables periodic or staged force delivery through sequential activation of different springs. Instead of immediate complete delivery, the system can release force in multiple stages by activating springs in sequence, allowing controlled delivery over extended time periods while maintaining the capability for rapid delivery when all springs are activated simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static immediate delivery to dynamic controlled delivery. The electronic control system can adjust delivery timing, sequence, and rate based on real-time conditions, allowing the same physical spring system to provide both immediate high-speed delivery and extended controlled delivery as needed.
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 spring system allows for customizable force profiles and extended delivery times, maintaining spring constant integrity while minimizing size, enabling efficient and controlled force application in devices like syringes for timed or staged drug release.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is typically made of a wire formed helically into coils, and the spring has an elastic property defined as the spring constant K. In a compression spring, the free length of the spring is the length of the spring in a relaxed state, or uncompressed
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system having a telescoping spring is used to drive a plunger. The telescoping spring includes a nested inner spring that uses the unused volume on the inside of an outer spring. The telescoping spring has a staged release of each spring. The inner spring is connected to a non-anchored end of the outer spring, and rides within a container located within an inner dimension of the outer spring. The spring constant K of each spring can be the same or different. The delivery system can be fully mechanical or implemented as a smart delivery system under electronic control.