Canted Coil Spring Connector with Segmented Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection mechanisms using canted coil springs for locking or latching often result in permanent damage to the spring when attempting to remove a cylindrical part, as they require significant compression along the major axis, which is not feasible without damaging the spring.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a secondary groove that allows the canted coil spring to rotate back to its relaxed position, enabling the cylindrical part to be completely unlatched from the housing without damaging the spring, by providing a larger volumetric space for the spring to rotate and reduce the removal force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a canted coil spring is used in a tapered bottom groove for locking, then the pin is securely locked to the housing, but the spring is permanently damaged when attempting to remove the pin
Solution Approach 1:
The single groove is segmented into two distinct grooves: a first groove for locking and a second groove for release. The first groove has a tapered bottom that compresses the spring during insertion to achieve locking, while the second groove provides a different geometric configuration that allows the spring to expand and rotate during removal, preventing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic one where the spring can change its state. By moving the pin between two positions, the spring transitions from a compressed locked state in the first groove to an expanded released state in the second groove, enabling damage-free removal
2Ease of operation
If the spring is forced to compress along its major axis for removal, then the pin can be removed from the housing, but the spring is permanently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the groove configuration. The second groove has a different geometry compared to the first groove, specifically designed to allow the spring to expand and rotate along its minor axis during removal, changing the compression direction from the damaging major axis to the safe minor axis
3Device complexity
If a single groove geometry is used for both locking and removal, then the device structure is simple, but the spring cannot be released without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single groove is segmented into two distinct grooves: a first groove for locking and a second groove for release. The first groove has a tapered bottom that compresses the spring during insertion to achieve locking, while the second groove provides a different geometric configuration that allows the spring to expand and rotate during removal, preventing damage
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
Enables the connector to be disconnected without damaging the canted coil spring, allowing for secure locking and easy release, with a lower removal force compared to traditional latching mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the spring compresses along the minor access upon insertion but not upon removal
Implementation Method 2
the spring will be forced to compress along its major axis upon removal, which permanently damages the spring
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A connector (10) is provided that permits locking between a pin (12) and a housing (18) using a canted coil spring (22) yet permit separation by allowing turning of the canted coil spring so that the canted coil spring can compress along the minor axis. In one example, the connector incorporates two grooves (14,16) on the pin to allow the rotation. In another example, the connector incorporates two grooves in the bore of the housing to allow the rotation. The connector may be used in a number of applications or industries, such as for aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries, to name a few.