C-Shaped Metal Spring Connector for Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors with ring-shaped elastic metal members face instability in electric connections due to misalignment, as the contact between curved surfaces of the retaining clip and outer connector body is not always maintained, leading to inconsistent electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a cylindrical inner conductor with a central contact, insulating member, and a C-shaped metal spring with elastic pieces and protrusions that ensure stable contact between the inner and outer conductors, even with misalignment, by using inner and outer protrusions to maintain elastic force contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a ring-shaped elastic metal member (retaining clip) with curved surfaces is used to connect inner and outer conductors, then the connector can accommodate misalignment through elastic deformation, but stable contact between the retaining clip and outer connector body cannot always be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of misalignmentVSAvoidstable contact maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by designing the contact surfaces between the retaining clip and outer connector body as curved surfaces that match each other. This curved surface contact provides both adaptability to misalignment through elastic deformation and reliable stable contact maintenance, resolving the technical contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the outer diameter of the first flange is increased to prevent buckling of elastic pieces, then structural stability is improved, but the overall size of the connector increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of bucklingVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing reinforcement only at the specific location where buckling prevention is needed (the first flange area), rather than increasing the size of the entire connector. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary structural stability while minimizing the overall size increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of manufacture

If a C-shaped metal spring with cutout is used instead of a complete ring, then ease of attachment is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by introducing a cutout that divides the metal spring into separate sections. This segmentation allows the spring to be easily attached by opening the C-shaped structure, while the remaining segmented portions maintain sufficient structural integrity for functional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by designing the metal spring with elastic pieces that can dynamically adjust and deform. This dynamic capability allows the spring to maintain structural integrity through elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance, enabling easy attachment while preserving functional strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 connector provides a stable electric connection between the inner and outer conductors, preventing buckling and plastic deformation, and ensuring waterproofing through strategically placed O-rings, while allowing easy attachment and dispersion of external forces.

Implementation Method 1

an inner protrusion that is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body so as to protrude inside the metal spring body, and be in contact with the inner conductor with an elastic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an outer protrusion that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic piece so as to protrude outside the elastic piece, and be in contact with a cylindrical outer conductor provided outside the inner conductor with an elastic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11710921B2Connector with metal spring

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 SMK CO LTD

AI summary

The connector includes: an axial member that is a cylindrical conductor; a central contact disposed inside along a central axis of the axial member; an insulating member interposed between the axial member and the central contact and which holds the central contact; a first flange and a second flange provided on an outer peripheral surface of the axial member; and a metal spring provided along an outer peripheral surface of the axial member. The metal spring includes: a C-shaped metal spring body; curved parts; elastic pieces that extend from the curved parts so as to face an outer peripheral surface of the metal spring body; inner protrusions provided on an inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body so as to protrude inside the metal spring body; and outer protrusions provided on outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic pieces so as to protrude outside the elastic pieces.