Closed Longitudinal Coil Spring for Stable Connector Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coil springs with longitudinal components within them face issues of protrusion and damage due to their natural shape and vibration, which can hinder connection and stability in connector applications.
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 circular form, reducing circumference and maintaining circular shape, thereby enhancing stability and fit within a groove, 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 and prevent protrusion, then the stability and fit within groove are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal component is nested within the coil spring structure, with the longitudinal component positioned inside the coils while maintaining axial alignment. This nesting approach allows the longitudinal component to increase rigidity and prevent protrusion without requiring external mounting structures or additional assembly steps, thereby improving stability while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal component is integrated with the coil spring as a unified structure where the longitudinal component serves multiple functions: providing axial rigidity, preventing protrusion, and maintaining structural integrity. This merging of functions into a single integrated component avoids the need for separate elements and reduces overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the longitudinal component is made closed or configured to be closed, then the structural integrity and resistance to vibration are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal component is pre-formed as a closed structure before assembly into the coil spring. This preliminary formation of the closed structure ensures structural integrity and vibration resistance are built-in during manufacturing, while the pre-formed nature allows for efficient production using standard closing techniques such as welding, forging, or forming operations performed before final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal component is designed with specific geometric parameters that enable it to be closed while maintaining structural integrity. By optimizing parameters such as wall thickness, cross-sectional shape, and closing method, the component achieves high reliability against vibration and impact while remaining manufacturable using conventional processes
3Shape
If the coil spring is biased into a shape different from its natural circular form, then the fit within groove and prevention of protrusion are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is designed with an asymmetric biased shape that differs from its natural circular form, creating a configuration that optimally fits within the groove geometry. This asymmetric shaping is achieved through controlled forming processes that introduce deliberate geometric deviations from circularity, allowing the spring to engage the groove walls effectively and prevent protrusion while maintaining manufacturability through standard asymmetric forming techniques
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 ensures the coil spring is securely clamped within a groove, preventing protrusion and damage, facilitating easy connection and maintaining electrical contact while providing mechanical attachment and radio frequency shielding.
Implementation Method 1
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 circular form
Data Source
AI summary
A coil spring has longitudinal component, located within the coil spring, running along the direction of a longitudinal axis of the coil spring. The longitudinal component may be a simple loop or may bias the coil spring into a different shape. The longitudinal component may have a first end and a second end, which may be connected. The first end, second end and longitudinal component may be in the same plane throughout the length of the longitudinal component. The longitudinal component may have a first end equipped with a first locking element and second end equipped with a second locking element. The first locking element may comprise a recess for accommodating a second locking element. The longitudinal component may be a metal wire and/or formed as a single piece. The coil spring may be part of a connector part connected with a mating connector part.