Pin Connector With Ball Portion And Canted Coil Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors, such as male threaded fasteners, require time-consuming and difficult twisting operations for assembly and disassembly, especially in applications with varying thicknesses and in hard-to-reach places, and lack flexibility to accommodate thickness variations.
Innovation Solution
A pin connector with an unthreaded shank, an enlarged ball portion, and a canted coil spring within an annular groove that provides a secure connection by exerting a squeezing force, allowing quick connection and disconnection without rotation, and accommodating thickness variations through a taper bottom groove that requires incremental force for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If threaded fasteners are used to secure members together, then the connection can tolerate variations in thickness, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming due to twisting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical system with a smooth pin system that uses spring-loaded ball portions instead of threading. The pin connector includes a smooth unthreaded shank with ball portions that engage annular grooves in the members, eliminating the need for twisting operations while maintaining adaptability to thickness variations through the spring mechanism that allows the pin to self-adjust to different thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic spring mechanism that allows the pin connector to adapt to varying thicknesses. The spring-loaded ball portions can compress and expand to accommodate different distances between the annular grooves, providing both speed and adaptability. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by enabling quick insertion while tolerating thickness variations.
2Loss of time
If molded pins or latching hooks are used for quick connection, then assembly and disassembly time is reduced, but the ability to tolerate thickness variations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the pin to adjust to different thicknesses automatically during the quick connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connection system by using a spring-loaded mechanism that can vary its compression state based on the thickness of the members being connected. This allows the same pin design to work across a range of thicknesses, unlike rigid molded pins.
3Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used, then reliable securement is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult in hard-to-reach places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex threaded system with a simple push-and-release pin mechanism that requires no rotational movement. The smooth pin with spring-loaded balls can be inserted and removed by simple linear motion, making it easily operable in confined spaces where threaded fasteners would be difficult to manipulate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent fastener removal and replacement is required, then adaptability is improved, but the time loss from repeated twisting operations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming threaded system with a quick-connect pin system that uses simple linear insertion and removal motions. The spring-loaded mechanism allows for rapid engagement and disengagement, making frequent operations practical and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically engage the ball portions with the annular grooves upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations. This preliminary spring action enables rapid connection without repeated adjustments.
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 reliable securement and quick connection/disconnection of members with enhanced tolerance for thickness variations, reducing assembly and disassembly time, particularly beneficial in applications requiring frequent fastener removal and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
A canted coil spring is disposed within the groove. The apparatus is configured such that the spring exerts a squeezing force on the ball portion when the pin connector is disposed within the bore and the head of the pin connector contacts the second member.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present apparatus are configured to secure a first member and a second member to one another. The first and second members include a bore extending through at least one of the first and second members and at least partially through the other of the first and second members. The apparatus comprises a pin connector including an enlarged ball portion positioned along a shank. The first member includes an annular groove extending around the bore. A canted coil spring seats within the groove. The apparatus is configured such that the spring exerts a squeezing force on the ball portion when the pin connector is disposed within the bore and the head of the pin connector contacts the second member.