Twin-Spring Coupling Assembly for Low-Friction Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling systems for twin-spring modules face issues such as high friction forces during sliding disk movement, structural problems due to misalignment of springs, and locking issues with the stem within the longitudinal guide.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system comprising a cylindrical hollow body, a longitudinal guide, a sliding disk with pins to maintain spring alignment, and movement means like rollers to minimize friction, ensuring smooth operation and reduced structural issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sliding disk is used to couple two springs arranged in series with a longitudinal guide, then the springs can be connected and guided, but high friction force is generated during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring coupling reliabilityVSAvoidfriction force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional sliding disk mechanism with a coupling system that uses a yoke and forks connected by pins, eliminating the sliding contact between the disk and longitudinal guide. This substitution of mechanical components removes the source of high friction force while maintaining the spring coupling function through pin connections and rotational freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding disk with longitudinal guide is used to manage twin-spring modules, then spring arrangement is possible, but misalignment of springs occurs causing structural problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring arrangement capabilityVSAvoidspring alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system incorporates alignment features in the form of pins and guided slots that pre-establish the correct spatial relationship between the two springs. The pins inserted through aligned holes in the yoke and forks automatically maintain proper spring alignment during assembly and operation, preventing misalignment before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The yoke and fork components act as intermediary elements between the two springs, providing a mechanical structure that enforces proper alignment. The pins connecting these intermediaries to the springs ensure that both springs remain aligned with each other and with the longitudinal axis, mediating their relative positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a stem is inserted within a longitudinal guide in known systems, then guidance is provided, but locking problems occur risking mechanical strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance functionVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system divides the guidance function into multiple discrete pin connections rather than relying on a single stem within a longitudinal guide. Each pin provides independent guidance and support, distributing the mechanical loads and eliminating the concentration of stress that leads to locking problems and structural failure in single-stem systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively maintains spring alignment, reduces friction during sliding disk movement, and minimizes structural problems, enhancing the mechanical strength and reliability of the twin-spring module system.

Implementation Method 1

a roller (42) adapted to rotate about the longitudinal bar (50), the roller (42) being adapted to come into contact with the inner peripheral surface (20b) of the longitudinal guide (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Implementation Method 2

Springs are mechanical elements capable of absorbing large quantities of energy without reaching critical stresses. For this purpose, springs are geometrically shaped so as to allow the occurrence of great displacements while maintaining the deformations within the elastic range.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3652460B1Coupling system particularly for twin-spring modules
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 AIR TORQUE
  • EP3652460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3652460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3652460B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coupling system (10) particularly for twin-spring modules, comprising a hollow body (12) configured to accommodate a first spring (22) and a second spring (24), the hollow body (12) comprising a sliding disk (18) arranged between the first spring (22) and the second spring (24), a compression disk (16) arranged proximate to a distal wall (26) of the hollow body (12) and a longitudinal guide (20) that is coaxial to the hollow body (12); the coupling system (10) comprises a sliding disk (18) configured to maintain an alignment between the first spring (22) and the second spring (24) and to allow a movement of the sliding disk (18) along the longitudinal guide (20).