Torque Spring Cover Assembly with Adjustable Gripping Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover assemblies for storage compartments, such as those in motor vehicles, face challenges in easily adjustable spring force and straightforward installation, which affects the opening speed and synchronization of covers.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly featuring a torque spring with a biasing coil part and a gripping coil part that can be elastically deformed to adjust spring force by repositioning on a support, allowing for stepless adjustment and easy installation, where the gripping coil part frictionally engages the support to secure the spring in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spring force is made adjustable by providing multiple seats for the second leg, then the spring force can be adjusted to different discrete levels, but the adjustment is limited to specific predetermined positions and cannot be continuously varied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of spring force adjustment from discrete positional selection (multiple seats) to continuous variation by allowing the second leg to be positioned at any location along the support structure. This enables stepless adjustment of the spring force rather than being limited to predetermined discrete levels.
2Reliability
If the spring is designed with a fixed installation structure, then the installation is straightforward and secure, but the spring force cannot be easily adjusted after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the installation structure dynamic by allowing the second leg to be repositioned along the support after installation. The support structure includes features that enable the second leg to be moved to different positions while maintaining secure engagement, thus providing both reliable installation and ease of adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the spring is designed to allow easy repositioning for adjustment, then the spring force can be adjusted, but the risk of improper installation or loosening during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods with a friction-based engagement system where the second leg is held in position by friction between the support surfaces. This allows easy adjustment by overcoming the friction force while maintaining stable installation during normal operation when the friction force is sufficient to prevent loosening.
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
Enables easy installation and adjustment of spring force, allowing for coordinated opening speeds of covers and infinite variable adjustment, facilitating the synchronization of cover movements.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping coil part, except when is installed or adjusted, frictionally tightly and elastically engages the support and nonrotatably secures the second end to the support against rotation relative to the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
The gripping coil part is elastically deformable during installation or adjustment to disengage from the support and allow angular or axial movement of the gripping coil part and repositioning on the support
Implementation Method 3
The biasing coil part urges the cover into one of the end positions
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly has a support defining a pivot axis, a cover pivotal relative to the support about the pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, and a torque spring having first and second ends, a biasing coil part from which the first end extends, and a gripping coil part extending from the biasing coil part and from which the second end extends. The first end is seated in the cover, and the gripping coil part, except when is installed or adjusted, frictionally tightly and elastically engages the support and nonrotatably secures the second end to the support against rotation relative to the pivot axis. The gripping coil part is elastically deformable during installation or adjustment to disengage from the support and allow angular or axial movement of the gripping coil part and repositioning on the support.