Dual Canted Coil Spring Slip Ring Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Canted coil spring slip rings experience reduced lifespan and impaired electrical contact due to frictional wear when rotated against the preferred direction, leading to heat generation and loss of connectivity in applications with intermittent clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.
Innovation Solution
A dual canted coil spring connector assembly with one spring canted in one direction and another in the opposite direction, separated by an intermediate component, which allows for relative movement and maintains electrical contact by reducing frictional forces across both rotational directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single canted coil spring is used as a slip ring, then electrical contact is maintained in the preferred rotational direction, but frictional wear dramatically reduces slip ring life and impairs electrical contact when rotated against the preferred direction
Solution Approach 1:
The single canted coil spring is segmented into two separate canted coil springs with opposite canting directions. Each spring handles one rotational direction, eliminating the wear problem when rotating against the preferred direction while maintaining electrical contact capability in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Two canted coil springs are used with asymmetric canting angles oriented in opposite directions. This asymmetric configuration allows each spring to be optimized for its specific rotational direction, reducing frictional wear while maintaining reliable electrical contact in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.
2Reliability
If a canted coil spring is used as a slip ring, then electrical contact is provided during rotation, but friction generates additional heat on the contact areas
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring is divided into two springs with opposite canting directions, allowing each spring to rotate freely in its optimal direction with minimized friction. This segmentation reduces the frictional heat generated during rotation while maintaining electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using one spring that experiences high friction in one direction, two springs are used where each spring is inverted in canting direction. This allows the system to exploit the low-friction characteristic in both rotational directions, minimizing heat generation.
3Device complexity
If a single canted coil spring is used, then the structure is simple, but the spring must be replaced when proper electric contact is lost due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring configuration is segmented into two springs with opposite canting directions. This segmentation allows each spring to operate in its optimal rotational direction with minimal wear, significantly extending the electrical contact durability while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The canting angle parameter is changed for the two springs, with one spring having a positive canting angle and the other having a negative canting angle of equal magnitude. This parameter change allows both springs to minimize friction in their respective rotational directions, extending service life while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 dual canted coil spring configuration enhances the lifespan of the slip ring by reducing friction and maintaining continuous electrical contact during bidirectional rotation, minimizing wear and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first canted coil spring having a canting angle along a first canting direction, the first canted coil spring in contact with the first contact surface, and a second canted coil spring, the second canted coil spring oriented such that the second canted coil spring has a canting angle along a second canting direction opposite the first canting direction
Implementation Method 2
Due to the canted nature of canted coil springs, lower frictional or slipping forces are observed in, for instance, one rotational direction than an opposite rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
A dual spring contact assembly having an intermediate component between at least two canted coil springs with opposite canting angle directions for fitment between a first component and a second component. When there is relative displacement between the first and second components, the direction of movement of one of the components relative to one of the canted coil spring can always occur along the canting angle, reducing the friction between coils and component and increasing the life of the slip ring.