Patented Rotary Spring Technology
Patented innovative Rotary Spring Technology
While conventional mechanical and gas/liquid springs are primarily designed to operate in a linear direction, the concept of a rotary liquid spring introduces an innovative shift—leveraging the compressibility of fluid to produce a torsional or rotational spring effect.
The working principle remains rooted in the fundamental spring behavior: storing mechanical energy when deformed and releasing it upon unloading. However, in rotary liquid springs, this deformation and energy storage occur in angular motion rather than linear displacement.
Working Principle
A rotary liquid spring uses a compressible liquid (typically a specially formulated fluid with known compressibility characteristics) enclosed within a sealed chamber. Inside this chamber, a rotating shaft or rotor is connected to a mechanism (such as a vaned rotor, cam, or piston assembly) that transfers rotational motion into fluid compression.
-
When the shaft rotates, it causes internal components to compress the fluid within a defined cavity.
-
The compressed liquid resists this motion due to its inherent pressure rise and reduced volume, thereby storing energy in the form of internal pressure.
-
When the applied torque is removed, the pressurized liquid acts to rotate the shaft back toward its original position, mimicking the behavior of a torsional spring.
-
The rotational stiffness of the spring is determined by the compressibility of the fluid, chamber geometry, and the displacement profile of the internal mechanism.
Unlike traditional torsion springs which rely on the elastic deformation of metal, the rotary liquid spring depends on fluid dynamics and pressure-volume relationships for energy storage and release.
Key Components
-
Rotary Shaft – Transmits input torque and receives the spring's restoring torque.
-
Compression Chamber – Sealed container filled with compressible fluid.
-
Rotor/Actuator Mechanism – Converts rotary motion into fluid compression.
-
Seals and Bearings – Ensure minimal leakage and smooth rotational motion.
-
Return Control System (optional) – Restrictors to control return speed, damping, or locking.
Potential Applications of Rotary Spring
-
Robotic joints – Where smooth rotary motion with energy recovery is desired.
-
Hinged mechanisms – In aerospace or automotive panels that require torque-based return.
-
Rotary dampers – For control systems needing tunable resistance and energy absorption.
-
Torque-limiting devices – Where stored torsional energy must be released under controlled conditions.
-
Medical and exoskeleton devices – Providing rotary assistance or resistance at joints.
Conclusion
The rotary liquid spring represents a novel evolution in spring mechanics by harnessing the compressibility of fluids to operate in rotational domains. This not only bridges the gap between linear and torsional actuation systems but also opens new frontiers in compact, customizable, and high-performance motion control. Its bidirectional energy storage, tunable characteristics, and integrated damping make it a strong candidate for advanced engineering applications across diverse sectors.
Have more questions? Email us at info@shockbuffer.com