Coil Spring Locking Connector Multiple Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-based connectors are limited in allowing multiple connection positions and often result in damage to the pin and/or housing when attempting to remove the locking connector, as the spring must be destroyed to separate the components, leading to potential scoring or embedding issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a coil spring locking connector with a first and second body groove system, allowing the spring to be repositioned without destruction by moving it between two common grooves, and an optional slot for modifying the spring configuration to enable safe disconnection, preventing damage to the pin and housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring is used to lock the pin to the housing in conventional connectors, then the locking function is achieved, but the spring must be destroyed to separate the components causing damage to the pin and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: the spring loading mechanism and the locking engagement feature. The spring can be independently removed through the opening in the housing, allowing the pin to be separated from the housing without destroying the spring or damaging the pin and housing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is extracted as a removable component through an opening formed in the housing. This allows the spring to be taken out before removing the pin from the housing, preventing the spring from being destroyed and eliminating the harmful effects of sheared or mangled spring portions on the pin and housing surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the spring is destroyed to separate the pin from the housing, then the locking connection is broken, but sheared or mangled spring portions can damage the pin and housing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is removed through the opening in the housing before the pin is separated from the housing. This preliminary action of removing the spring prevents it from being destroyed during separation and eliminates the risk of sheared or mangled spring portions causing scoring, scratching, or embedding damage to the pin and housing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the housing serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows the spring to be removed separately from the pin-housing connection. This intermediary structure enables safe separation without direct contact between the spring destruction process and the pin or housing surfaces, preventing harmful effects.
3Device complexity
If conventional spring connectors are used, then simple structure is maintained, but multiple connection positions along the direction of insertion cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure provides multiple connection positions along the direction of insertion while maintaining a relatively simple design. The spring can be loaded into different positions within the housing, and the opening allows for spring removal and repositioning, enabling the connector to achieve multiple connection positions without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 multiple connection positions while maintaining a locked state and allows for safe removal of the connector without damaging the spring, reducing the risk of scoring or embedding, thus protecting the components.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring located in a common groove defined by the first body groove and the second body groove
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A coil spring locking connector (100) offering multiple groove geometries (106,108,112) to allow multiple connection positions along the direction of insertion (116) is disclosed. A connector (150) with an external spring access opening (152) is also disclosed formed through the housing wall surface (162). The opening allows access to the coil spring (114) to allow removal of the spring (114) from the connector (100) prior to removal of the connector (100) from a locked position to prevent potential damage to connector components.