Valve Timing Spring Holder Axial Guide Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve opening/closing timing control apparatus faces difficulties in supporting a torsion spring due to troublesome assembly and potential enlargement issues, requiring a stable and compact arrangement for the spring holder.
Innovation Solution
A valve opening/closing timing control apparatus with a spring holder that includes a seat portion fixed to the driven side rotary body, a guide portion protruding along the rotational axis, and a support portion for the torsion spring, allowing easy support and alignment, while preventing friction debris entry and maintaining compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one end of the torsion spring is inserted into a hole portion formed under a posture parallel with the rotational axis, then the torsion spring can be supported, but the assembly becomes troublesome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hole portion is formed extending in the axial direction (parallel to rotational axis) rather than radially, changing the insertion dimension. This allows the torsion spring end to be inserted along the axis where space is more abundant, facilitating easier assembly while maintaining reliable support through the extended hole structure
Solution Approach 2:
A guide portion protruding from the seat portion along the rotational axis is introduced as an intermediary structure. This guide portion facilitates the insertion of the torsion spring end into the hole portion by providing alignment and directional guidance, making assembly easier while ensuring proper positioning
2Reliability
If a support member with restricting portion is used to support the torsion spring, then the torsion spring collapse is restricted, but the structure tends to invite enlargement
Solution Approach 1:
The seat portion is merged with the driven side rotary body through fitting, and the restricting portion is formed directly on the engaging portion of the driven side rotary body. This integration eliminates the need for a separate support member structure, preventing enlargement while maintaining the function of restricting torsion spring collapse
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging portion of the driven side rotary body serves multiple functions: it engages with the seat portion to provide support, and its restricting portion restricts collapse of the torsion spring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated support structures, maintaining compact apparatus size
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 solution enables stable and reliable support of the torsion spring, preventing debris entry and allowing compact design, facilitating easy assembly and maintaining the apparatus' stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring (46) connected between the driving side rotary body and the driven side rotary body; wherein the torsion spring is disposed externally of the valve opening/closing timing control apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A spring holder supporting a torsion spring applying an urging force in a valve opening/closing timing control apparatus is configured to be able to be attached to an appropriate position relative to a driven side rotary body and rotatable in unison. The spring holder includes a seat portion that is connected and fixed to the driven side rotary body, a guide portion that extends along a rotational axis, an alignment portion fitted into an engaging portion of the driven side rotary body and a restricted portion fitted into a restricting portion of the driven side rotary body. A support portion holding an end of the torsion spring is formed in the guide portion.