Rotatable Wave Washer Spring Mechanism for Compact Preload Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In orthopedic devices, there is a challenge in adapting the energy storage and release systems to varying patient needs and operating states due to limited installation space and the inability to adjust the spring preload effectively.
Innovation Solution
A spring device with rotatable wave washers and spring washers that allows for stepless adjustment of stiffness and preload, enabling flexible energy storage and release by varying the position of wave washers and adding or removing spring washers, integrated into a hydraulic actuator for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the spring preload is adjusted by modifying the initial spring length, then the preload can be changed, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting preload by changing the axial length of the spring, the invention uses the angular dimension to control spring characteristics. The relative rotation of wave washers about the axial direction allows preload and stiffness adjustment without requiring additional axial space, effectively moving the adjustment mechanism from the length dimension to the angular dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical spring device provides stepless adjustment of stiffness and preload, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the wave washer profile and their relative angular positions to achieve continuous adjustment of spring stiffness and preload. This parameter-based approach provides stepless adjustment capability while maintaining relatively simple mechanical construction, avoiding complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the spring device requires small installation space, then compactness is achieved, but the compensation volume for hydraulic systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the angular position parameter of the wave washers, the spring device can adjust its effective volume and stiffness characteristics. This allows the system to provide adequate compensation volume for hydraulic systems while maintaining a compact overall installation footprint, as the compensation capability is controlled by angular position rather than requiring additional volume.
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
This solution provides a compact, adjustable energy storage system that can be tailored to individual patient needs and changing operating states without requiring additional compensation volume, enabling optimal energy storage and release in orthopedic devices.
Implementation Method 1
energy is stored by way of an elastic deformation. A reverse deformation takes place in order for said energy to be released, this thus being an elastic deformation or a reversible deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A spring mechanism having at least two wave washers and at least one spring washer between the wave washers. The wave washers are mounted so as to be twistable relative to one another.