Any idea what this spring is called?
Any idea what this spring is called?
(OP)
Hi All!
Please see the image. It shows the workings of an eyeglasses case that has bi-stable lid. The spring straddles the hinges. This spring is what drives the glasses case to have the open-or-closed-no-in-between functionality that I crave.
I am looking for ways to create a compact linear bi-stable mechanism, and I like this spring.
Please let me know.
thanks!
Please see the image. It shows the workings of an eyeglasses case that has bi-stable lid. The spring straddles the hinges. This spring is what drives the glasses case to have the open-or-closed-no-in-between functionality that I crave.
I am looking for ways to create a compact linear bi-stable mechanism, and I like this spring.
Please let me know.
thanks!





RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
It's simple to lay out in a 2D parametric sketch in SolidWorks (or Creo, etc.). When the line between the spring ends is through the hinge axis, the spring should be at max tension and the system is static. Any movement in either direction and the spring induces torque and forces motion to continue in that direction.
I use simple FEA to determine spring factor (k). Once determined, k is linear proportional to spring width. Stresses are high; you must use tempered spring steel.
RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
A clip spring is just trying to stay the shape it's put in and won't have much movement.
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RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
TTFN (ta ta for now)
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RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
If you want to see some examples of holdback hinge concepts, take a look at the patents in US patent class 16/291:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PT...
RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
RE: Any idea what this spring is called?
I checked a couple US patents that describe the specific hinge arrangement you show in the OP. Some of them agree with LittleInch and describe the component using some variation of clip & spring (spring clip, C-clip spring, clip spring), others used different terms (resilient brace, curved spring member), but the one I liked best was "arcuate resilient spring". Below are links to the specific patents. Worth taking a look at if you have some time.
www.google.com.gi/patents/US6530498
https://www.google.si/patents/US2464524
https://www.google.com/patents/US2583350
www.google.com.gi/patents/US4150779
www.google.com/patents/US4452373
www.google.com.gi/patents/US6173476