Telescoping Strut With Threaded Spring Mounting for Consistent Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring systems for applications like vehicle components and door mechanisms often lack consistency in force delivery and durability over multiple cycles, and they can be cumbersome to mount in various configurations.
Innovation Solution
A spring system comprising two interlocking housings with a mechanical spring connected to both, featuring a telescopic design and threaded connections to ensure secure assembly and adjustable configurations, along with optional fluid control systems for regulated movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spring systems are used, then the basic lifting function is achieved, but the force delivery consistency and durability over multiple cycles are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into two separate housings (first housing and second housing) that can be mounted independently to different components. Each housing contains its own spring assembly, allowing the system to be segmented into modular units that can be optimized and replaced independently, improving overall reliability and force consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing is designed to be telescopically inserted into the first housing, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the spring system to maintain a compact form factor while accommodating multiple spring assemblies and their mounting mechanisms, ensuring consistent force delivery through precise alignment and reduced lateral movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spring system uses a telescopic housing design, then versatile mounting options are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic housing design allows the same spring system to be universally mounted in multiple configurations - the first housing can be attached to a stationary base while the second housing attaches to a moving component, or vice versa. The engagement mechanism with protrusion and recess features provides universal adaptability for various mounting orientations without requiring different hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting the second housing within the first housing through telescopic insertion, the design achieves versatile mounting capabilities while minimizing the overall footprint. The nested configuration allows the housings to slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, enabling adaptation to different space constraints and mounting locations without adding external complexity.
3Strength
If threaded spring connection arrangements are used, then secure assembly is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring connection arrangements incorporate pre-formed threaded features within the housings and on the springs themselves. These threaded connections are designed with standardized pitch and diameter specifications that allow for preliminary assembly without requiring high-precision machining during final installation. The threading provides inherent self-aligning characteristics that reduce the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection arrangements act as intermediary elements between the housings and springs, providing a standardized interface that mediates the connection. This threaded intermediary allows for secure assembly through conventional threading operations while accommodating reasonable variations in manufacturing precision, as the threaded engagement distributes loads over multiple contact points rather than requiring precise point-to-point alignment.
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 system provides a consistent force over extended periods, maintains strength through multiple cycles, and allows for versatile mounting options by enabling precise control of spring engagement and movement.
Implementation Method 1
The spring system builds potential force as the springs are compressed and release force when the springs are expanded
Implementation Method 2
The second housing is designed to be fully or partially telescopically inserted into the first housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A spring system (10) that has first and second housings (20,40) and a first mechanical spring (60) connected to the first and second housings (20,40). The first and second housings (20,40) each have a front portion (22,42) having a front end (24,44) and rear portion (26,46) having a rear end (28,48) and an internal chamber (30,50). The front end (44) of the second housing (40) is telescopically inserted into the internal chamber (30) of the first housing (20). The first mechanical spring (60) is at least partially positioned in the internal chamber (30,50) of the first and second housings (20,40). The first end (62) of the first mechanical spring (60) is connected to a first connection arrangement in the first housing (20). The second end (64) of the first mechanical spring (60) is connected to a second connection arrangement in the second housing (40). The first and/or second connection arrangement threadedly engages the first mechanical spring (60).