Multi-Direction Canted Coil Springs for Compact Seal and Connector Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional canted coil springs can only deflect along one direction, leading to stricter geometrical requirements, tighter tolerances, and less consistent spring force, limiting their application in devices like electrical connectors and rotary/static seals.
Innovation Solution
A canted coil spring design that allows each coil to deflect in at least two directions perpendicular to the centerline by being set at multiple preselected angles, enabling independent deflection in multiple planes and reducing the need for tight tolerances and larger spring grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional canted coil spring is designed to deflect in only one direction, then the spring force is relatively constant over a working deflection range, but the spring requires a larger spring groove width and cannot deflect along the major axis of the coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-plane canting configuration to a multi-plane canting configuration. Each coil is canted at multiple angles relative to the centerline, allowing deflection in multiple directions perpendicular to the centerline. This enables the spring to deflect along both the minor axis and major axis of the coils, effectively utilizing additional spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction between deflection capability and groove width requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the canted coil spring to perform multiple functions: it can deflect in multiple directions (along both major and minor axes of coils), maintain relatively constant spring force over a working deflection range, and accommodate compact spring groove designs. The multi-plane canting configuration allows the same spring structure to provide both single-direction and multi-directional deflection capabilities, making it universally applicable to various mechanical constraints.
2Device complexity
If a conventional canted coil spring is designed with single canting plane, then the structure is simple, but the spring cannot deflect in multiple directions and requires stricter geometrical requirements and tighter tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the canting configuration from a single plane to multiple planes. Each coil is configured with multiple canting angles relative to the centerline, creating a three-dimensional canting architecture. This allows the spring to deflect in multiple directions while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and deflection versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional canted coil spring requires larger spring groove width to accommodate the major axis, then the spring can be positioned, but the overall device size increases and compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by configuring coils to cant in multiple planes, enabling the spring to accommodate positioning requirements within a smaller groove width. The multi-plane canting allows the spring to deflect along both major and minor axes, distributing the positioning constraints across multiple dimensions rather than requiring a single large groove width, thus achieving compact device design while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
This design enhances the versatility and stability of canted coil springs, allowing for more compact designs, increased mechanical shock resistance, and consistent spring force distribution, while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The coils each comprises a major axis and a minor axis, wherein coil deflection only occurs along said minor axis and typically only along the preselected angle to a further canting position. The canted nature of the canted coil spring allows for deflection of the coils along the minor axis when a force perpendicular in direction to the centerline is applied.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3~4C
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AI summary
Canted coil springs with a plurality of interconnected coils that can deflect in at least two different directions with respect to a centerline are disclosed. The ability to deflect in at least two different directions may be utilized in applications that include electrical/mechanical connectors and rotary/static seals. The ability to deflect in at least two different directions may bring increased benefits in terms of geometrical requirements, tolerances, spring orientation, and spring force.