US3665353A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solenoid with multi-rate return spring
Assignee: Collins Radio Co
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Filing: 1971-04-27
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Granted: 1972-05-23
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Expires: 1991-04-27
Abstract
Abstract A multi-rate return spring optimizes solenoid operational efficiency by providing a spring restoring force versus deflection characteristic more nearly matching the inverse-square solenoid stroke versus force characteristic. The spring may be fashioned from two or more contiguous sections having progressively greater winding pitches such that the resulting multiple restoring force rates compositely more nearly match the solenoid force characteristic over a predetermined stroke.
Inventors
- 👤 Melvin L Campbell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:17
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01F; H01F7/00; H01F7/06; H01F7/08; H01F7/13
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
In a solenoid of the type comprising a spring loaded plunger member the loading imposed on which defines a predetermined spring return force upon electrical release on said solenoid plunger member, means for structuring said return spring to exhibit at least two progressively greater loading rates over the stroke of said solenoid plunger to realize a spring length-force characteristic over the stroke of said solenoid plunger the slope of which approximates that of the inherent inverse-square solenoid force-stroke characteristic, thereby maintaining a substantially constant differential between solenoid force and spring retaining force over the stroke of said solenoid plunger while maximizing the retaining force of said return spring at the energized terminus of the solenoid stroke.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
In a solenoid of the type comprising a spring loaded plunger member the loading imposed on which defines a predetermined spring return force upon electrical release on said solenoid plunger member, means for structuring said return spring to exhibit at least two progressively greater loading rates over the stroke of said solenoid plunger to realize a spring length-force characteristic over the stroke of said solenoid plunger the slope of which approximates that of the inherent inverse-square solenoid force-stroke characteristic, thereby maintaining a substantially constant differential between solenoid force and spring retaining force over the stroke of said solenoid plunger while maximizing the retaining force of said return spring at the energized terminus of the solenoid stroke.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A solenoid with multi-rate return spring as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring is comprised of multiple contiguous helical sections having progressively greater winding pitches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A solenoid with multi-rate spring return means as defined in claim 2 wherein said multi-rate return spriNg comprises first and second contiguous sections having progressively greater winding pitches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
A solenoid with multi-rate return spring as defined in claim 2 wherein the resilient characteristics of said spring member sections and the respective comparative pitches thereof effect a closing of coils in the lesser pitched sections of said spring at selected points within the stroke of said solenoid plunger so as to define successive greater rate spring force-deflection characteristics from the unenergized position of said solenoid plunger stroke to the fully energized terminus of said solenoid plunger stroke, said successive different spring force-deflection rates forming a composite spring rate characteristic over the stroke of said solenoid substantially approximating the slope of the inverse-square solenoid force-stroke characteristic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
Means as defined in claim 4 wherein said spring return means is compressibly confined to exert a predetermined preload force in the unenergized position of said solenoid against which said solenoid plunger stroke is initially restrained upon energization of said solenoid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
Means for optimizing the efficiency of a spring return solenoid having a predetermined stroke versus force characteristic comprising means for fashioning said return spring so as to exhibit successively different return rates over predetermined segments of said solenoid stroke to effect a spring return force characteristic as a function of said solenoid stroke substantially approximating the slope of said solenoid force-stroke characteristic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
Means for optimizing the efficiency of a spring return solenoid having a predetermined stroke versus force characteristic comprising means for fashioning said return spring so as to exhibit successively different return rates over predetermined segments of said solenoid stroke to effect a spring return force characteristic as a function of said solenoid stroke substantially approximating the slope of said solenoid force-stroke characteristic.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
Means for optimizing as defined in claim 6 wherein said return spring is preloaded to exert a predetermined restraining force on said solenoid plunger with said solenoid unenergized to establish a predetermined differential over the stroke of said solenoid plunger between solenoid force imparted on said plunger and the restraining force exerted on said plunger by said return spring, said solenoid force being in excess of the restraining means imparted by said spring member over the stroke of said solenoid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-23 | 1975-11-22 | 1976-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-11-22 | 1980-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-23 | 1983-11-22 | 1984-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |