Anti-decoupling Connector Spring with Integrated Dimples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with unintentional decoupling due to vibration and mechanical shock, requiring separate components for system springs, ratchet springs, and detents, which increases manufacturing costs and component count.
Innovation Solution
A single connector spring that functions as both a system spring and a ratchet spring, featuring protruding segments with spring fingers and dimples acting as detents, integrated into a ring design to reduce component count and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (system spring, ratchet spring, and detents) are used to prevent unintentional decoupling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the system spring, ratchet spring, and detents into a single integrated connector spring component. This spring features multiple protruding segments with spring fingers that engage with corresponding features on the coupling ring, providing both the system spring function (minimizing axial motion) and the ratchet spring function (resisting decoupling) while incorporating dimples that serve as ratchet detents. This merging reduces component count and simplifies assembly while maintaining the reliability benefits of having both spring functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector spring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a system spring to minimize axial motion of the plug shell, as a ratchet spring to resist decoupling of the coupling ring, and incorporates dimples that function as ratchet detents. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection against unintentional decoupling.
2Reliability
If multiple individual components are used for system spring, ratchet spring, and detents, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (system spring, ratchet spring, and detents) into a single integrated connector spring that can be manufactured as one piece. This reduces the number of parts that need to be produced, stored, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the connection stability provided by the combined spring functions and detent features.
3Reliability
If separate ratchet spring and detent components are used, then reliability against vibration and shock is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector spring integrates the ratchet spring mechanism with detent features (dimples) into a single component. The spring fingers engage with corresponding features on the coupling ring to provide ratchet-like resistance against decoupling forces from vibration and mechanical shock, while the dimples serve as detents that lock into positions on the plug shell. This integration maintains the reliability benefits of separate ratchet and detent components while reducing the overall number of parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated connector spring effectively absorbs shock, resists decoupling, and reduces the risk of unintentional decoupling, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying the connector design.
Implementation Method 1
a connector spring includes a ring and a plurality of protruding segments protruding radially out from the ring. Each protruding segment of the plurality of protruding segments includes a first spring finger extending out from the protruding segment and a second spring finger extending out from the protruding segment
Data Source
AI summary
A connector spring includes a ring and a plurality of protruding segments protruding radially out from the ring. Each protruding segment of the plurality of protruding segments includes a first spring finger extending out from the protruding segment and a second spring finger extending out from the protruding segment. The first spring finger and the second spring finger angularly extend away from each other on a first side of the ring. The connector spring further includes a plurality of dimples protruding out on a second side of the ring.