Closed Longitudinal Coil Spring for Vibration-Stable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coil springs with longitudinal components within them lack effective means to maintain rigidity and prevent displacement under vibration or impact, leading to potential dislodgment from grooves or damage when subjected to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A coil spring design featuring a longitudinal component that runs along its axis, which can be closed or configured to be closed, biases the coil spring into a shape different from its natural or groove-defined shape, enhancing rigidity and preventing dislodgment by reducing circumference and maintaining circular shape, using materials like spring steel or beryllium copper alloy, and employing locking elements for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a longitudinal component is added within the coil spring to increase rigidity, then the coil spring's stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal component is nested within the coil spring structure, with the longitudinal component running along the longitudinal axis inside the coils. This nesting approach allows the longitudinal component to increase rigidity and stability without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the component is integrated into the existing spring geometry rather than adding external structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is segmented into multiple functional elements: the coiled structure providing elasticity and the longitudinal component providing rigidity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the longitudinal component (which can be closed or open) enhancing stability without requiring complete redesign of the entire spring system.
2Strength
If the longitudinal component is made closed to enhance rigidity, then the coil spring's resistance to displacement is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal component is designed to be configurable between closed and open states, allowing the manufacturing process to select the appropriate configuration based on application requirements. The closed configuration provides maximum rigidity and resistance to displacement, while the open configuration simplifies manufacturing and assembly. This dynamic configurability resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The topological parameter of the longitudinal component (open vs. closed) can be changed based on manufacturing considerations and performance requirements. This parameter change allows optimization of both manufacturing ease and structural strength, with the closed configuration providing enhanced rigidity when needed and the open configuration offering simpler fabrication when maximum strength is not required.
3Shape
If the longitudinal component runs along the longitudinal axis to maintain shape, then the coil spring's circular shape is maintained, but the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal component is positioned specifically along the longitudinal axis of the coil spring, providing localized structural support where needed to maintain the circular shape. This local reinforcement does not significantly reduce overall flexibility because the coiled structure retains its ability to deform elastically, while the longitudinal component primarily prevents excessive deformation and maintains geometric integrity during operation.
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 design effectively increases the coil spring's rigidity and stability, preventing dislodgment and damage by aligning its shape with the groove, facilitating secure attachment and maintaining electrical contact, while allowing for reversible or irreversible fastening methods.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal component biases the coil spring into a shape different from its natural or groove-defined shape
Implementation Method 2
The longitudinal component is closed or configured for being closed... reducing circumference and maintaining circular shape
Data Source
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AI summary
A coil spring (8) comprising a longitudinal component (9) located within the coil spring (8), wherein the longitudinal component (9) runs generally along the direction of a longitudinal axis of the coil spring (8), characterized in that the longitudinal component (9) is closed or configured for being closed. A connector part (1) for being connected with a mating connector part (2), wherein the connector part (1) comprises such coil spring (8). A connector comprising the connector part (1) and a mating connector part (2). And a method of shaping a coil spring (8), the method comprising locating a longitudinal component (9) within the coil spring, wherein the longitudinal component (9) runs generally along the direction of a longitudinal axis of the coil spring (8), characterized in that the longitudinal component (9) is closed or configured for being closed.