Universal Tension Table for Spring Damper Strut Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spring tensioning devices for motor vehicle helical compression springs are either space-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks due to the need for manual clamping and potential damage to anti-corrosion coatings during the assembly and disassembly of spring damper struts.

Innovation Solution

A compact, versatile spring tensioning device with a universal clamping table and adjustable brake arm that securely fixes the spring damper strut, allowing for tensioning or relaxation without the need for manual clamping, reducing the risk of accidents and preserving the coating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stationary spring tensioning device is used to securely fix the spring damper strut, then the safety and stability are improved, but the device becomes space-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a movable clamping unit and a stationary base structure. The clamping unit can be independently positioned and secured on the tensioning table, separating the functions of positioning and tensioning. This segmentation allows the device to be compact yet reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A tensioning table with retaining means acts as an intermediary between the spring damper strut and the tensioning mechanism. The table provides a stable mounting surface with adjustable retaining means that secure the strut during tensioning without requiring the entire device to be complex or space-consuming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual clamping is used to fix the spring damper strut, then the device structure is simplified, but occupational safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoccupational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates self-clamping mechanisms where the tensioning table and retaining means automatically secure the spring damper strut in position. The system serves itself by providing automatic positioning and clamping features that eliminate the need for manual intervention, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the spring damper strut is clamped in a vice for tensioning, then the device is simple, but the anti-corrosion coating is damaged leading to increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcoating damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means on the tensioning table use soft, flexible contact surfaces that grip the spring damper strut without marring the anti-corrosion coating. These flexible elements provide sufficient holding force while protecting the coating from damage, eliminating the need for complex protective measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If a universal tensioning table with adjustable retaining means is used, then versatility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning table is designed as a universal platform with adjustable retaining means that can accommodate different sizes and types of spring damper struts. The retaining means can be repositioned along the table to adapt to various strut dimensions, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining means are designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation. They can be easily repositioned and reconfigured to match different strut sizes, allowing the device to adapt to various applications. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical adjustments rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enables safe, efficient, and space-efficient assembly and disassembly of helical compression springs, minimizing occupational hazards and reducing maintenance costs while ensuring accurate alignment and tensioning of the springs.

Implementation Method 1

a brake arm 46, which can be brought into engagement with the spring coil (59) of the helical compression spring (59) to prevent the helical compression spring (59) from cushioning or jumping off the clamping table (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a helical compression spring (59) which can be pushed by the spring force of the spring (59) against the brake arm (46) and/or the clamping plate (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2911830B1Spring tensioning device comprising a universal tension table
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 HAZET WERK HERMANN ZERVER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2911830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2911830B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2911830B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a spring tensioning device (10) for mounting and/or removing helical compression springs on/from spring damper struts (57) for motor vehicles. According to the invention the spring tensioning device (1) comprises a universal tension table (14), wherein the spring damper strut (57) can be arranged such that the head plate (58) of the spring damper strut (57) is on the universal tension table (14) and the head plate (58) can be fixed in position by means of clamping shoes and brake arms (46).