Zigzag Spring Sliding Mechanism Buckling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Zigzag springs used in spring units for sliding mechanisms tend to buckle and lose reliability due to inadequate support, leading to frictional issues and separation from the casing during frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A spring unit design featuring first and second sliding units with spring securing and accommodating parts, along with slide guiding parts that engage to securely hold the zigzag spring within a formed space, preventing buckling and ensuring smooth expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bent portions are formed on both sides of the casing to support the zigzag spring, then the zigzag spring is prevented from buckling, but the zigzag spring may slide inside the bent portion preventing smooth movement and may separate after frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide portions as intermediary structures that mediate between the zigzag spring and the bent portions of the casing. These guide portions constrain the zigzag spring to move only in the intended direction, preventing both buckling and unwanted sliding, thereby ensuring smooth operation and maintaining connection reliability after frequent use.
2Length of moving object
If the spring unit is thinned by using a zigzag spring, then the overall size is reduced, but the zigzag spring becomes more prone to buckling without adequate support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support structures (guide portions and bent portions) at specific locations where the zigzag spring is most prone to buckling. This allows the spring unit to remain thin overall while having reinforced stability at critical points, resolving the contradiction between thinness and buckling resistance.
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 design effectively prevents buckling and maintains smooth operation by securely holding the zigzag spring, reducing friction and ensuring reliable performance over repeated cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a spring unit including a zigzag spring (40A, 40B)... the zigzag spring is held inside a space formed between the first spring accommodating part (28A, 28B) and the second spring accommodating part (36A, 36B)
Data Source
AI summary
A spring unit including a zigzag spring 40A, 40B; a first sliding unit 20A including a first spring securing part 22 securing a first end of the spring, a first spring accommodating part 28A, 28B accommodating the spring; first slide guiding parts 25 on both sides of the first sliding unit; a second sliding unit 30A including a second spring securing part 32 securing a second end of the spring, a second spring accommodating part 36A, 36B accommodating the spring, second slide guiding parts 35 on both sides of the second sliding unit, wherein the first and second slide guiding parts 20A and 30A are engaged to mutually slide, and the spring 40A, 40B is held inside a space formed between the first and second spring accommodating parts 28A, 28B, 36A, and 36B while the first and second slide guiding parts 25 and 35 are engaged.