Connector Spring with Sleeve Constraint for Adjustable Friction Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector mechanisms for adjusting the length of paddles and tool bits, such as those using helical springs, often fail under load conditions, leading to misbehavior like slippage, uneven engagement, and potential damage, and are either visually obtrusive, mechanically complex, or prone to rust.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a spring that changes dimension in response to force, with a dimension control portion to restrict unwanted changes, ensuring a reliable friction fit, and a sleeve to manage expansion and provide a secure grip, preventing accidental release and foreign material ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a helical spring is used for adjustment mechanism, then adjustability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates under load conditions causing slippage and misbehavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the spring mechanism from free-helix to constrained-helix. The helix is formed within a rigid or semi-rigid sleeve that controls and limits its expansion and contraction, preventing the misbehavior that occurs with conventional springs under load while maintaining the adjustability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary between the helix and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows the helix to function for adjustment while preventing direct contact between the helix and loads that would cause slippage and unreliable operation.
2Reliability
If spring strength is increased to compensate for misbehavior, then reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates making adjustment more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the spring strength parameter, the patent changes the constraint parameter by introducing the sleeve. This allows the helix to maintain appropriate strength while the sleeve controls the expansion/contraction range, making adjustment easier while preserving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the helix is allowed to expand freely, then adjustability range is maximized, but stability deteriorates causing uneven engagement and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the freedom parameter of the helix by introducing controlled constraints through the sleeve. The sleeve allows sufficient expansion for adjustment but limits excessive expansion that would cause uneven engagement, thereby maintaining both adjustment range and engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve provides localized quality control by constraining the helix in specific regions while allowing movement in others. This creates different zones of freedom and constraint along the helix length, ensuring stable engagement while maintaining adjustability.
4Strength
If metal parts are used for the adjustment mechanism, then strength is achieved, but durability deteriorates due to rust over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction where the helix may be metal for strength but is enclosed within a sleeve that can be made of corrosion-resistant materials. This composite approach allows the inner metal component to provide mechanical strength while the outer sleeve protects against rust and extends durability.
5Reliability
If the spring is made more robust to prevent misbehavior, then reliability improves, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from increasing spring mass to increasing structural efficiency through the sleeve constraint. The rigid or semi-rigid sleeve provides the necessary stability and reliability without requiring a proportionally heavier spring, thus maintaining lighter overall weight while improving reliability.
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 system provides a reliable, adjustable, and safe connection by limiting spring misbehavior, enhancing safety and ergonomic usability while preventing foreign matter from entering the mechanism, thus improving the effectiveness and reliability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to change its dimension (e.g. diameter or length) in response to a change in force applied to it, wherein the spring is biased in a radial or longitudinal direction towards a natural dimension
Implementation Method 2
The spring biases against the internal surface of the external sleeve to cause a friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A connector having a spring configured to change a dimension such as diameter or length in response to a change in a force applied to it, wherein the spring is biased in a radial or longitudinal direction towards a natural dimension. The connector including a dimension control portion configured to restrict the change in dimension in a direction away from the bias of the spring.