Spring Connection Element Radial Deformation Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring connection elements require high installation effort, are not adaptable to changing component geometries, and can weaken connections in deformable materials due to their rigid design, making them difficult to manufacture and install efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A spring connection element with a spring-like wire coil featuring axially spaced, irregularly shaped coils, a spiral collar, and a central tension element that allows for axial deformation and adaptation to component geometries, enabling installation without rotation and providing both non-positive and positive connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid wire helix with closely spaced windings is used to create a threaded outer contour, then the fastener can cut a thread into the component opening, but the installation effort becomes considerable and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wire helix flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deform during installation. The spring-like wire helix can be compressed radially to reduce its outer diameter for easier insertion, then expands to engage the component wall, eliminating the need for time-consuming thread cutting while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the wire helix by using a spring-like flexible wire that can alter its radial dimensions. The wire helix is designed with a specific pitch and radial flexibility that allows it to be compressed for insertion and then expand to create the connection, transforming the installation process from thread-cutting to elastic deformation and engagement.
2Strength
If the wire helix is densely wound to achieve radial compressibility and outward spring forces, then the fastener can create an interference fit, but the installation requires considerable force and can deteriorate deformable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the wire helix with a larger outer diameter than the component opening. This allows the fastener to be inserted in a relaxed state without requiring excessive installation force, and the connection strength is achieved through the subsequent expansion and engagement of the spring-like wire helix with the component wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible spring-like wire helix dynamically adapts its radial dimensions during installation - compressed for easy insertion, then expanding to engage the component wall. This dynamic behavior reduces installation force requirements while maintaining strong connection, and the gradual engagement protects deformable materials from sudden mechanical stress.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wire helix has a rigid and inflexible structure to maintain axial stability, then the fastener can resist deformation, but it cannot adapt to changing component geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional properties of different parts of the wire helix. The wire helix is designed with specific pitch and flexibility characteristics that allow radial deformation for geometric adaptation, while the spring-like structure and engagement mechanism maintain axial stability for connection strength. Different sections of the wire helix can have varying pitch to optimize both adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-like wire helix dynamically adjusts its geometry to match component opening dimensions while maintaining axial connection stability. The flexible structure allows adaptation to varying radial dimensions through elastic deformation, and the engagement mechanism ensures axial stability is maintained during operation, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If the fastener is designed with a smaller outer diameter than the component opening to facilitate insertion, then the installation is easier, but the connection strength is weakened due to reduced engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring-like wire helix that dynamically changes its radial dimensions. During insertion, the wire helix is compressed to a smaller outer diameter for easy passage through the component opening. Once inserted, the wire helix expands to engage the component wall, creating strong connection forces. This dynamic size change resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and connection strength.
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
Facilitates easy installation and adaptation to different component geometries, maintaining a secure connection while accommodating material changes, such as expansion or creep, without the need for additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connecting element (1) with which at least two components can be connected to one another via an interlocking fit in at least one component opening (52)... the wire helix (20) has a pitch (p) per revolution (U)... the turns (22, 23) are irregularly shaped... the spring connecting element (1) can be radially tapered by an axial tensile load
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring connection element 1, with which at least two components B1, B2 can be connected to each other via a hooking seat in at least one component opening. The spring connection element 1 is characterized by the following features: a spring-like wire coil 20 with a first and a second end, said coil comprising a plurality of axially spaced windings 22, 23; a spiral collar (30) which extends radially beyond a circumference of the wire coil 20 and is arranged on the first end of the wire coil 20; and a central traction element 40, which is arranged on the second end of the wire coil 20 so as to protrude radially into the wire coil 20, which does not extend axially beyond the wire coil 20, and by means of which the spring connection element 1 can be retracted into a component opening 52 in a substantially untwisted manner.