Helical Spring

[Senor Dorado]

I"m able to create the model of a helical spring using Insert>Helical Sweep>Protrusion Constant>thru axis>right handed. The spring's dimensions are 135 mm high, with a start point 25mm to the right of the Y-axis. The section is a circle 5mm in diameter with a pitch of 15.

The ends of the spring needs to be flat on the under side (bottom coil) and top side (top coil) in order to mate with corresponding parts. I'm trying to create the flats using a revolved protrusion and a cut perpendicular to the spring axis. This cut travels 235 degrees around the top and bottom coils of the spring.

I'm able to sketch the cut section, but the axis of revolution for the protrusion cut is confusing me. Can you help me out and give me some guidance to create this feature?

Senor Dorado

 

[victor-dot-com]

Not sure I follow exactly what you need help with, but I will give the answer I think you need.


When you are in sketcher mode for you revolve, your revolve needs an axis to revolve about. You need to sketch a centerline co-axial to your spring and align it to whatever reference you have there (datum plane or axis would be typical).


Hope that's the answer you needed.


-Victor

 

[dr_gallup]

I usually use a variable pitch helical sweep so that I can close the end coils. Then I use an extruded cut for the ground ends.
2009-09-24_134402_spring.prt.zip

 

[britineeng]

You can contrain your Helical Spring using datum to datum to simulate the flat on the spring. datums are the perferred way. because you can nowuse the flex contraint and the spring with compress or extend with your model if you move one of the constraints.


-Lou

 

[garymig]

I think what you want is a spring with the ends flat (not machined).
If so you want to go back and create a helical sweep with a variable pitch. Then when creating your path (the straight line) add a point near both ends and dimension it from each end. When you hit the check box it will ask you the different pitches and when thats done a graph will come up. When the graph is there click on add point and select the first point from the other window, then add the last point. You will see the pitch selections you can vary. I usually edit them in the solid part. I dont think the pitch on the ends will go down to zero, but its close.

Good luck,
Gary