Systems and methods for miniaturized drawbar extension springs

Patent Number: 10,473,175
Issued: 11/12/2019
Official Filing: View the Complete Patent
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.
Filed: 3/19/2018
Application Number: 15/924,572
Government Interests: STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention.