Compression spring retainer and method of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners suffer from slop/play due to loosening over time, lack effective means to reduce rotational gap during installation, and fail to prevent surface deformation, leading to alignment issues and increased slop/play between handles and surfaces in cookware and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A compression spring retainer with a body, resilient compression leg, and anti-deformation leg that provides biasing force during tightening, reduces rotational gap, and protects surfaces from deformation by cooperating with a bolt and nut to secure elements effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to secure elements to surfaces, then the installation process is simple, but slop/play develops over time due to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring retainer introduces a dynamic element (spring) that continuously applies compressive force to maintain fastener tension. The spring leg flexes and rebounds to compensate for loosening, keeping the fastener tightly engaged with the surface throughout its service life, thereby resolving the contradiction between initial stability and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the fastening system by introducing elastic deformation through the spring leg. The spring leg undergoes controlled flexion and recovery, dynamically adjusting the fastener's engagement parameters to maintain optimal clamping force over time, addressing both reliability and service life requirements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are used, then installation is straightforward, but rotational gap and alignment issues occur during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring retainer is pre-installed on the fastener before final assembly, establishing a predetermined engagement geometry. This preliminary positioning ensures that the fastener aligns correctly with the receptacle during installation, eliminating rotational gap issues while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are used to tighten handles, then the fastening process is simple, but surface deformation occurs during installation and tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring retainer acts as a cushioning element between the fastener and the surface. The spring leg absorbs excess tightening force through elastic deformation, preventing direct transmission of high stresses to the surface that would cause deformation, while still allowing simple fastening operations.
4Device complexity
If conventional fasteners are used, then the device structure is simple, but slop/play increases during use due to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring retainer introduces a dynamic spring element that continuously adapts to maintain fastener engagement. The spring leg flexes and rebounds to compensate for loosening, keeping the fastener tightly engaged with the surface throughout use, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the fastening system by introducing elastic deformation through the spring leg. The spring leg undergoes controlled flexion and recovery, dynamically adjusting the fastener's engagement parameters to maintain optimal clamping force, achieving reliable connection stability without excessive 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
The compression spring retainer enhances securement ease, reduces slop/play, and prevents surface deformation by increasing tightening torque and maintaining alignment, ensuring a secure and stable connection between elements and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient compression leg, which extends outwardly from the first end of the body and is configured to provide a biasing force in a lengthwise direction of the body
Implementation Method 2
a resilient anti-deformation leg, which extends outwardly from the second end of the body and includes a portion that extends below a plane defined by the base portion of the body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An improved compression spring retainer for securing an element to a surface is provided. The compression spring retainer includes a body (12) that includes a base portion (24) extending between first (22) and second (26) ends, and opposing first (28) and second (30) side portions each extending upwardly from the base portion between the first and second ends. The compression spring retainer also includes a resilient compression leg (14) that extends outwardly from the first end of the body, and a resilient anti-deformation leg (16) that extends outwardly from the second end of the body and includes a portion extending below a plane defined by the base portion of the body. A method of securing an element to a surface with the compression spring retainer is also provided.