US 10,473,175 B1 · Systems and methods for miniaturized drawbar extension springs

Abstract

Extension springs that can be manufactured to a small size with a precise free length are described herein. An extension spring comprises a first drawbar member and a second drawbar member that extend along a same direction. The extension spring further comprises a compression spring coil that surrounds respective portions of the draw bar members. At either end of the spring coil are positioned end caps that surround the drawbar members. The end caps provide flat surfaces on which the ends of the spring coil rest in a resting position of the extension spring. The end caps are held against bent ends of arms of the drawbar members by tension of the spring coil. When the drawbar members are drawn apart from one another, the end caps compress the spring coil. Compression of the spring coil causes forces that resist the motion of the drawbar members apart from one another.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A spring system, comprising:

a first drawbar member;
a second drawbar member extending along a same axial direction as the first drawbar member;
a third drawbar member extending along a same axial direction as the first drawbar member, the third drawbar member positioned such that the second drawbar member is disposed between the first drawbar member and the third drawbar member;
a spring coil that surrounds at least a portion of the first drawbar member and at least a portion of the second drawbar member;
a first end cap that encircles the first and second drawbar members;
and
a second end cap that encircles the first and second drawbar members, the first end cap and the second end cap positioned at respective first and second ends of the spring coil.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for miniaturized drawbar extension springs

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for miniaturized drawbar extension springs

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13