Canted coil springs and assemblies and related methods

Canted coil spring rings each with a first plurality of coils having first coil major and minor axes; a second plurality of coils each having second coil major and minor axes; the coils of the first plurality of coils alternating with the coils of the second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. The spring rings having inner and outer perimeters and wherein the inner perimeter of the spring ring is defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resulting configuration of the spring ring has improved spacing along the inner perimeter, among others, with respect to a similar canted coil spring ring having a constant coil cross section, such as a coil length with all similar coils.

FIELD OF ART

The present application describes canted coil spring ring designs with coils having different dimensions and/or configurations and use of such spring rings in different applications, including in connectors having a housing and a shaft or pin and in gasket assemblies.

BACKGROUND

For canted coil springs having coils that are canted along the same direction, the spacing between the coils is a geometric parameter that may be key to the performance of a canted coil spring since it influences the tendency of the coils to butt and defines the density of coils per unit length. In certain cases, an increase in spacing between coils may be a desired solution to meet specific force and/or conductive (such as electrical or thermal) requirements. However, this increased spacing may result in losing the canted characteristics of the coils as there are fewer coils per unit length or ring diameter and thus the related benefits. In other cases, the spacing between coils as well as the wire cross section may be un-modifiable, such as due to certain minimum requirement or do to strict adherence to a, and yet the force and/or conductive properties of the canted coil spring may need to be further adjusted.

In many technology fields, there is an increased need for miniaturization of components. The field of neuro-stimulation systems is an example that manifests such need. However, as size become smaller, certain geometric parameters may be reached and further refinements are no longer possible.

SUMMARY

The present application describes canted coil spring ring designs with alternating coils with different dimensions and/or configurations in which spacing between coils is improved over similar coils with constant coil cross section.

The canted coil spring ring designs with alternating coils with different dimensions described herein may also allow for reducing at least the minimum ring inner perimeter.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a coil spring comprising a spring length having a first end and a second end. The spring has a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline. The spring has a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline. The coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. Wherein said first end joins said second end thereby generating a coil spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resulting spring ring configuration being such that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than the tendency of the coils to butt for a canted coil spring having a constant coil cross section made of a similar material, targeting similar conductive properties and having similar inner and outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section.

The spring ring wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils may move through the confines of at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be elliptical.

The spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be D shaped.

The spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can have at least one portion depressed toward the interior of the coil.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a coil spring comprising length having a first end and a second end. The coil spring comprises a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline. The coil spring further has a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline. Wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. Wherein said first end joins said second end, thereby generating a coil spring ring comprising: an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, being both defined by at least said first plurality of coils; a minimum reachable inner perimeter being defined as the minimum value of said inner perimeter that can be reached without the coils having butted; said minimum reachable inner perimeter being smaller than the minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring having: a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils. The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils can move through the confines of at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter, wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter, wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be D shaped.

The coil spring with the minimum reachable inner perimeter, wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can have at least one portion depressed toward the interior of the coil.

A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is a coil spring comprising a length with a first end and a second end. Said spring comprising a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline. Said spring further comprising a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline. Wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. Wherein said first end joins said second end to form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter being defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resulting configuration being such that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than the tendency of the coils to butt for a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring made of a similar material. The spring ring of the present disclosure can be used for electromagnetic interference shielding applications and has similar inner and outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section as the canted coil spring ring with the constant coil cross section.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capability wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils can be moved through the confines of at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capability wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capability wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be D shaped.

The coil spring with electromagnetic interference shielding capability wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can have at least one portion depressed toward the interior of the coil.

The present application is further directed to a method of achieving a coil spring ring. The method can comprise the steps of forming a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils defining a first centerline; canting each coil of said first plurality of coils along said first centerline; forming a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes;

the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said second plurality of coils along said second centerline; and alternating the coils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. The method further includes the step of joining the ends of said first and second pluralities of coils to generate a coil spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The spring ring has a minimum reachable inner perimeter being defined as the minimum value of said inner perimeter that can be reached without the coils having butted. Said minimum reachable inner perimeter being smaller than the minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring made of a similar material and having a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils.

The method of achieving a coil spring ring wherein said resulting configuration can cause a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils to be moved through the confines of at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of achieving a coil spring ring. The method can comprise the steps of forming a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils defining a first centerline; canting each coil of said first plurality of coils along said first centerline; forming a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said second plurality of coils along said second centerline; and alternating the coils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. The method can further include the step of joining the ends of said first and second pluralities of coils to generate a coil spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resulting configuration of the spring ring being such that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than the tendency of the coils to butt for a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring made of a similar material, targeting a similar electromagnetic interference shielding capacity and having similar inner and outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section.

The method of achieving a coil spring ring wherein said resulting configuration can cause a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils to be moved through the confines of at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

A still unique feature of the present disclosure is an assembly comprising a housing defining a bore; a groove along the inner surface of said housing being defined by multiple surfaces; a shaft; and a coil spring ring of one of the embodiments disclosed herein installed within said groove and contacting at least one of said multiple surfaces defining said groove. The insertion of said shaft into said bore causing said coil spring ring to deflect; such deflection engaging both said shaft and said housing.

A still unique feature of the present disclosure is an assembly comprising a housing defining a bore; a shaft; a groove along the outer surface of said shaft being defined by multiple surfaces; a coil spring ring of one of the embodiments disclosed herein installed within said groove and contacting at least one of said multiple surfaces defining said groove; the insertion of said shaft into said bore causing said coil spring ring to deflect; such deflection engaging both said shaft and said housing.

A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is an assembly comprising a housing defining a bore; a first groove along the inner surface of said housing being defined by a first set of surfaces; a shaft; a second groove along the outer surface of said shaft being defined by a second set of surfaces; said shaft inserted into said housing; said first and second grooves aligned so that they define a cavity; the coil spring ring of one of the embodiments disclosed herein placed into said cavity, contacting at least one surface of said first set of surfaces and at least one surface of said second set of surfaces.

The present application is further directed to a gasket assembly. The gasket assembly can comprise a coil spring ring of one of the embodiments disclosed herein; a groove receiving said coil spring ring and being defined by multiple surfaces; the arrangement of said multiple surfaces enabling the loading of said coil spring ring in a selected direction.

The application still further includes a canted coil spring ring comprising a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline; a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline; wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern; and wherein spring ring comprises an inner perimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only.

The coil spring ring wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils can be moved through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be D shaped.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can have at least one portion depressed toward the interior of the coil.

The coil spring ring wherein the alternating pattern can comprise a coil from the first plurality of coils positioned next to a coil from the second plurality of coils and then repeating the alternating pattern.

The coil spring ring wherein the alternating pattern can comprise a coil from the first plurality of coils positioned next to two or more coils from the second plurality of coils and then repeating the alternating pattern.

The coil spring ring can further comprise a third plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said third plurality of coils canted along said first centerline.

The coil spring ring wherein a coil of the third plurality of coils can be located between at least one coil of the first plurality of coils and at least one coil of the second plurality of coils.

A still yet further feature of the present disclosure is a method of forming a canted coil spring ring. The method can comprise the steps forming a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils defining a first centerline; canting each coil of said first plurality of coils along said first centerline; forming a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils defining a second centerline; canting each coil of said second plurality of coils along said second centerline; joining the ends of said first and second pluralities of coils to generate a coil spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter with the inner perimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only; and wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils and said second plurality of coils are alternated according to an alternating pattern.

The method wherein said resulting configuration can cause a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils to move through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The method can further comprise placing said spring ring inside a bore of a housing and inserting a pin through a center of the spring ring.

The method wherein the housing has a housing groove, the pin has a pin groove or the housing and the pin can each have a groove.

The method wherein the housing groove can be a V-groove.

The method can further comprise forming the first plurality of coils from a wire cross-section having a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a flat rectangular shape, a square shape, a polygonal shape, a star shape, or a U-shape.

The present application is further directed to a coil spring ring comprising a first plurality of coils each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes; a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils, and each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline; and a second plurality of coils each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes; a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils, and each coil of said second plurality of coils canted along said second centerline. The spring ring has an outer perimeter defined by at least said first plurality of coils and an inner perimeter defined by said first plurality of coils only; said inner perimeter having a minimum reachable inner perimeter, which is defined as a minimum value that can be reached without the first plurality of coils having butted. Said minimum reachable inner perimeter can be smaller than a minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring having a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils; and wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern.

The coil spring ring wherein a portion of at least one coil of said second plurality of coils can move through at least one coil of said first plurality of coils under a state of deflection of said coil spring ring.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be elliptical.

The coil spring ring wherein at least one coil of said first plurality of coils can be D shaped.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of canted coil spring ring designs with coils having different dimensions and/or configurations and use of such spring rings in different applications provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present device, system, and method may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present device, system, and method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

With reference now toFIG. 1A, a side view100and an isometric view100′ of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring length with a plurality of coils102is shown. The spring length100,100′ may be coiled from a wire and each coil can be coiled with a coil height or minor axis and a coil width or major axis. In the embodiment shown, a wire diameter of 0.0015 inch (“in”), a coil height of 0.007 in and a coil width of 0.009 in are shown. These dimensions are exemplary only.

FIG. 1Bshows a side view110and an isometric view110′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length100,100′ illustrated inFIG. 1Awith a ring inner perimeter112and a ring outer perimeter114. In the embodiment shown, the ring inner perimeter112is about 0.020 in. Further, as the spring ring110,110′ ofFIG. 1Bis substantially circular in configuration, the inner and outer perimeters may also be referred to as inner and outer diameters, respectively.

FIG. 1Cshows a side view110and an isometric view110′ of the same canted coil spring ring in its butted configuration in which the coils102along the inside perimeter112contact. In the embodiment shown, the inside perimeter is about 0.012 in when the coils form a butted ring inner diameter.

For discussion purposes, it is hereinafter assumed that the canted coil spring shown inFIG. 1Ais the smallest constant coil cross section canted coil spring that can be made given the current industry manufacturing capabilities. Therefore its coil height-to-wire diameter ratio (CH/Θ), the spacing between the coils, and the wire diameter are considered to be the minimum feasible values. As further discussed below, canted coil spring lengths may be adjusted by changing the coils' configurations to enable further manipulation of the various spring ring parameters.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric view120′ of a canted coil spring length with alternating smaller coils122and relatively larger coils124being concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. In other words, the smaller coils122are recessed from the first edge or first side edge126and from the second edge or second side edge128of the larger coils124. In the embodiment shown, the wire diameter is about 0.0015 in, the coil heights are about 0.007 in and about 0.014 in for the smaller122and larger124coils, respectively, and the coil widths are about 0.009 in and about 0.018 in for the smaller and larger coils, respectively. In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the smaller coils122are the same as the dimensions of the coils102of the canted coil spring length120,120′ shown inFIG. 1Aand that the spacing between the smaller and larger coils is about the same as the spacing between coils102of such canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2Bshows a side view130and an isometric view130′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length120,120′ illustrated inFIG. 2Awith a ring inner perimeter112, such as inside diameter, of about 0.013 in. In the present embodiment, the ring inner perimeter is smaller than the ring inner perimeter of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 1B. However, the ring outer diameter is larger. The relatively smaller inner perimeter112,112′ ofFIG. 2Bis made possible by decreasing in the coil density stacked along the inner perimeter112,112′ to provide greater spacing for forming a relatively tighter spring ring. However, the number of coils122,124per spring length for the embodiment ofFIG. 2Acompared to the number of coils102per spring length ofFIG. 1Amay remain or be the same. As further discussed below, while the number of coils of the present disclosure is kept generally the same as the constant coil cross section canted coil spring length ofFIG. 1A, the improved spacing is provided by alternating the coils along the inner perimeter to provide greater spacing and therefore better flexibility in rolling the spring length into a tighter shape to form a spring ring.

In the embodiment as shown, the spacing or lower density along the inner perimeter112is made possible by providing the coil length120,120′ with alternating smaller coils122and relatively larger coils124. Upon joining the two ends, which includes a first end and a second end, of the spring length120,120′, the smaller coils122are each spaced from the inner perimeter112,112′ of the spring ring130,130′ by a gap132. The ends may be joined by welding, using a snap-fit arrangement, using threads, or any known means.

FIG. 2Cshows a side view130and an isometric view130″ of the same canted coil spring ring ofFIG. 2Bin its butted configuration, which is understood to mean a configuration in which two or more coils contact one another along the inner perimeter of the spring ring. As shown, the butted ring inner perimeter is about 0.006 in and the smaller coils122crossing and being surrounded by the butted larger coils124. Note that the butted ring inner perimeter112is smaller than the butted ring inner perimeter112of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 1C. The butted ring outer perimeter114is larger.

The coil length120and the spring ring130formed from said length therefor has a first plurality of coils124each having a first coil major axis, a first coil minor axis, and a coil center defined by the intersection of said first coil major and minor axes and a first centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said first plurality of coils124. Each coil of said first plurality of coils canted along said first centerline, as shown inFIG. 2A. The coil length120and the spring ring130are further understood to include a second plurality of coils122each having a second coil major axis, a second coil minor axis, and a coil center defined by the intersection of said second coil major and minor axes and a second centerline defined by the plurality of coil centers resulting from said second plurality of coils. Each coil of said second plurality of coils122canted along said second centerline. Wherein the coils of said first plurality of coils124alternate with the coils of said second plurality of coils122according to an alternating pattern. The alternating pattern can vary in coil types, as further discussed below with reference to other coil length and spring ring embodiments.

With reference specifically toFIGS. 2B and 2C, the coil spring ring comprises an inner perimeter112and an outer perimeter114, which are defined by at least said first plurality of coils124. In other examples where other coils types align with the first plurality of coils124along the outer perimeter114, then the outer perimeter114may be defined by the other coils in addition to the first plurality of coils124. The resulting configuration being such that the tendency of the coils122,124to butt is lower than the tendency of the coils102to butt of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring110(FIG. 1B) made of a similar material, targeting similar conductive properties, and having similar inner and outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section.

As shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, the inner perimeter112has a minimum reachable inner perimeter dimension or value being defined as the minimum value of said inner perimeter that can be reached without the coils having butted, which is smaller than 0.013 in and greater than 0.006 in. By spacing the coils at the inner perimeter112, such as alternating the coils with different sizes along the inner perimeter, the minimum reachable inner perimeter is smaller than the minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring110(FIGS. 1B and 1C) having a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils.

Further, the resulting configuration of the present spring ring130is such that the tendency of the coils to butt is lower than the tendency of the coils of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring110(FIG. 2C) made of a similar material, targeting a similar electromagnetic interference shielding capacity and having similar inner and outer perimeters and a similar wire cross section, to butt.

A still yet further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a canted coil spring ring with optimal inner perimeter dimension or value. The method comprises forming a spring length with a plurality of coils and canting the coils along a same direction form canted coils and wherein the canted coils include a plurality of at least two coil types, including a plurality of a first coil type and a plurality of a second coil type. A coil type is understood to refer to either a particular shaped coil, such as being D-shaped or elliptical shaped, and/or to two similar shapes but different coil dimensions, such as different coil heights and coil widths. Connecting the two free ends of the coil length to form a canted coil spring ring having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by less than the total number of coils that form the spring ring. For example, if the spring ring has thirty five total canted coils, then the inner perimeter is defined by fewer than thirty five coils that align along the inner perimeter. In an embodiment and assuming the second coil type is recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap, only the first coil type is aligned along the inner perimeter. In another example, a third coil type or a fourth coil type or both but not the second coil type is or are aligned with the first coil type to define the inner perimeter. The resultant spring ring will have a minimum reachable inner perimeter being defined as the minimum value of said inner perimeter that can be reached without the coils having butted and wherein said minimum reachable inner perimeter is smaller than the minimum reachable inner perimeter of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring made of a similar material and having a similar total number of coils and coil major and minor axes similar to those of either said first or second pluralities of coils.

As further discussed below, other alternative canted coil spring lengths and spring rings formed by such spring lengths have similar characteristics and advantages as described herein-above, due at least in part by spacing the inner perimeter to enable the canted coil spring lengths to form spring rings with smaller minimum inner perimeter without butting than comparable spring lengths with the same wire diameter, wire material, and coil density per unit length.

Thus, the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2B and 2Callows for at least a smaller ring inner perimeter compared to a spring length having similar coil dimensions without requiring a smaller coil height to wire diameter ratio, a smaller spacing between the coils, i.e., lower coil density per unit length, or a smaller wire diameter. Said differently, for two different spring coil lengths having at least some similarly sized spring coils made from similar wire diameter and having similar coil height or coil width or both, the present spring ring can have a smaller inner perimeter than prior art spring ring formed from a similar spring length but with all similarly sized and shaped coils. The present spring ring may be used with ever smaller pin, shaft, or rod outer diameter than previously possible by having a smaller inner perimeter. In a particular example, the present spring ring has spring coils that alternate between smaller coils and relatively larger coils. The different sized coils allow the coil spacing along the inner perimeter to be spaced to permit a tighter radius. Additionally, the performance of the present canted coil spring ring mounted in or on a shaft having a diameter equal to the ring inner perimeter may be less sensible to the shaft tolerances because such shaft tolerances represent a smaller percentage of the larger coils as the larger coils have a wider working range of deflection.

Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a spring length having two ends and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and width and a plurality of coils having a second coil height and width, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are each recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap. In still yet another example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from an outer perimeter by a gap. The present spring ring is also understood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap and the outer perimeter by a gap. In some examples, the two gaps are about the same. In other examples, the gap along the outer perimeter is smaller than the gap along the inner perimeter. In other examples, the gap differences are reversed.

Wire types usable here in include copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, gold, gold alloy, silver, silver alloy, brass, and brass alloy. Additional wires include steel material, such as medical grade stainless steel, titanium, noble metals such as platinum or conventional implantable grade materials with noble metal coatings, such as platinum over stainless steel. The wire may also be a multi-metallic wire in which a base core material is surrounded by one or more other materials. In some examples, the spring has an inner core and an outer layer having different material compositions with the outer layer comprising at least one of platinum, iridium, rhodium, rhenium, ruthenium and palladium. The outer layer should have sufficient thickness to provide the spring with an electrical resistance that is within 20% or less of a spring made entirely of at least one of platinum, iridium, rhodium, rhenium, ruthenium and palladium. For electrical connector applications, the spring may be used with a housing and a pin or shaft made from stainless steel type 316L, MP35N, platinum-iridium, titanium or other conductive materials.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric120′ view of a canted coil spring length having a plurality of coils that alternate between smaller coils122and larger coils124. In the present embodiment, the smaller coils and the larger coils are not concentric to each other but are displaced relative to one another when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. As shown, the smaller coils122are aligned along the first edge126with the larger coils124but are recessed from the second edge128by a gap132.

In one example, the spring length120,120′ is made from a wire diameter of about 0.0015 in and the coils have coil heights of 0.007 in and 0.011 in for the smaller coils and the larger coils, respectively, and coil widths of 0.009 in and 0.013 in for the smaller coils and the larger coils, respectively. As indicated, the dimensions of the smaller coils122are the same as the dimensions of the coils102of the canted coil spring length100,100′ shown inFIG. 1Aand the spacing between the smaller coils122and the larger coils124ofFIG. 3Ais the same as the spacing between coils102of such canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 1A. Although this typically implies the same inner perimeter size as that of the spring ring ofFIG. 1Bwhen the spring length is connected end-to-end to from a garter shaped spring, in the present embodiment, the inner perimeter can be made smaller relative to the spring ring ofFIG. 1B. As disclosed, the inner perimeter coil spacing, such as coil density along the inner perimeter, may be adjusted to allow for forming a relatively smaller inner perimeter. In one example, the inner perimeter coil spacing may be controlled by alternating the coils between smaller coils and relatively larger coils so that at the inner perimeter more of the larger coils are positioned than the smaller coils to enable the desired spacing and curving, such as bending of the spring length, to form the spring ring with a relatively smaller inner perimeter dimension.

FIG. 3Bshows a side view130and an isometric view130′ of a canted coil spring ring formed by connecting the ends of the canted coil spring length120,120′ illustrated inFIG. 3A. The formed spring ring130,130′ has a ring inner diameter or dimension of 0.013 in. In the present embodiment, the ring inner perimeter112,112′ is smaller than the ring inner perimeter112,112′ of the canted coil spring ring110,110′ shown inFIG. 1B. However, the ring outer perimeter114,114′ remains about the same. Similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 2A-2C, the smaller inner perimeter112,112′ is made possible by decreasing the coil density stacked along the inner perimeter although the number of coils per spring length may remain or be the same as that shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 3Cshows a side view130and an isometric view130′ of the same canted coil spring ring ofFIG. 3Bin its butted configuration, which is understood to mean a configuration in which two or more coils contact one another along the inner perimeter112of the spring ring. As shown, the butted ring inner perimeter is about 0.006 in and the smaller coils122crossing and being surrounded by the butted larger coils124. Note that the butted ring inner perimeter is smaller than the butted ring inner perimeter of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 1C. However, the butted ring outer perimeter114,114′ is slightly larger than the spring ring ofFIG. 1C.

Therefore the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3B and 3Callows for at least a smaller ring inner perimeter requiring neither a smaller coil height to wire diameter ratio, a smaller spacing between coils, or a smaller wire diameter. Furthermore, the performance of such or a similar canted coil spring ring mounted on a shaft having a diameter equal to the ring inner perimeter may be less sensible to the shaft tolerances because of such shaft tolerances representing a smaller percentage of the larger coils. Said differently, by utilizing a spring length with coil dimensions, such as coil height and coil width, larger than that ofFIG. 1Ayet still provide for use with a similar pin or shaft diameter or even smaller diameter than that usable with the spring ring ofFIG. 1C, the present spring ring is less affected by shaft tolerances since the larger coils have a larger range of working deflection. This is known in the canted coil spring technology area as a generally constant force over a large spring deflection range, similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,462, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In one example, alternating smaller and larger coils for a canted coil spring ring may also be used to provide an improved electromagnetic interference shielding capacity. For example, the spring rings ofFIGS. 2B, 2C, 3B and 3Care believed to provide improved electromagnetic interference shielding capacity. Note that a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring complying with certain geometric and material requirements may be crowded with additional smaller coils and still comply with the same requirements; adding such additional smaller coils is expected to improve the electromagnetic interference shielding capacity of the canted coil spring ring.

Thus, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a spring length having two ends, including a first end and a second end, and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and width and a plurality of coils having a second coil height and width, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap. In still yet another example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are aligned with the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width along an outer perimeter114. The present spring ring is also understood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap but generally aligned with the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width along an outer perimeter114.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a side view100and an isometric view100of a constant coil cross section canted coil spring length with a wire diameter of 0.0015 in, similar to that ofFIG. 1A, a coil height of 0.014 in and a coil width of 0.018 in.FIG. 4Bshows a side view110and an isometric view110′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length illustrated inFIG. 4A, such as by joining the two free ends to form the ring using any number of means, including welding, threading, or other mechanical engagement such as snap-fitting. The ring inner perimeter112of the spring ring is 0.025 in.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric view120′ of a canted coil spring length with alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124being concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. As shown, the spring length is made from a wire diameter of 0.0015 in, coil heights of 0.007 in for the smaller coils122and 0.014 in for the larger coils and coil widths of 0.009 in for the smaller coils122and 0.018 in for the larger coils. Note that the dimensions of the larger coils are the same as the dimensions of the coils of the canted coil spring length100shown inFIG. 4Aand the spacing between the smaller and larger coils122,124is the same as the spacing between coils102of the spring length100shown inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5Bshows a side view130and an isometric view130′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length120illustrated inFIG. 5A, such as by joining the two free ends of the spring length. The present spring ring130,130′ has a ring inner perimeter of 0.025 in. The present ring inner perimeter and the ring outer perimeter are the same as those of the canted coil spring ring110shown inFIG. 4B.

The butting of the coils of the canted coil spring rings illustrated and described in the present application generally begins at the ring inner perimeter. In view of this understanding, it is reasonable to: (1) define effective spacing between coils to refer to the spacing between those coils that describe or define the ring inner perimeter112; and (2) conclude that the tendency of the coils to butt, such as to contact, is influenced by the effective spacing between coils. As described elsewhere herein, the present device, system, and method are directed to a spring ring having comparable coil spacing as prior art spring ring, such as comparable number of coils for a given coil length, but wherein the inner perimeter has improved spacing by recessing some of the coils from the inner perimeter to provide for fewer coils along the inner perimeter, but not coil density, such as total number of coils, for a given length.

The effective spacing between coils of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 5Bdoubles the effective spacing between coils of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 4Bat the inner perimeter112, thus the tendency for the coils ofFIG. 5Bto butt is reduced. In order for the spacing of the spring ring110ofFIG. 4Bto increase, for example to have more space between the coils at the inner perimeter, in order to have the same or similar reduced tendency for the coils to butt, the spring ring110ofFIG. 4Bwould need to reduce the number of coils per spring length, which would result in losing the canted configuration of its coils and therefore the associated benefits.FIGS. 6A-8Billustrate variations of the canted coil spring shown inFIGS. 5A-5B, as further discussed below.

The embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5Ballows for the same ring inner perimeter as the spring ring ofFIG. 4Bbut whereby the spacing at the inner perimeter is improved in that there are fewer coils aligned along the inner perimeter and less lower likelihood to butt. The spring ring ofFIG. 5Bmay also be used to provide an improved electromagnetic interference shielding capacity.

An aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a spring length having two ends and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and width and a plurality of coils having a second coil height and width, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when the two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap. In still yet another example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width along an outer perimeter114by a gap. The present spring ring is also understood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap and recessed from the outer perimeter114by a gap.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric view120′ of a canted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124being concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. The wire and coil dimensions of the present spring length120,120′ equal to those of the canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 5A. However, instead of there being a larger coil124located between to smaller coils and vice-versa, the larger coils124are disposed at every two or more smaller coils122. In the present embodiment, the larger coils are disposed at every six smaller coils122. Such a particular coil distribution results in a canted coil spring ring with a total of four larger coils124only, as best seen inFIG. 6B, which shows a side view130and a perspective view130′ of a canted coil spring ring made from such a canted coil spring length. The spring ring130has a ring inner perimeter of 0.025 in. In the present embodiment, the ring inner perimeter112and outer perimeter114are also the same as those of the canted coil spring ring110,110′ shown inFIG. 4B, although the present spring ring130has inner and outer perimeters defined by just a few larger coils124. Therefore,FIGS. 6A-6Bshow that alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124may be used to accommodate virtually any coil distribution and yet maintain the canted configuration of the coils.

Therefore the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6Ballows for the same ring inner perimeter as the spring ring ofFIG. 4Bbut whereby the spacing at the inner perimeter is improved in that there are fewer coils aligned along the inner perimeter. As shown, only four larger coils124are aligned to define the inner perimeter112. The spring ring ofFIG. 6Bmay also be used to provide an improved electromagnetic interference shielding capacity.

As described, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a spring length having two ends and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and width and a plurality of coils having a second coil height and width, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when the two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap132. In still yet another example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width along an outer perimeter114by a gap132. The present spring ring is also understood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap and recessed from the outer perimeter114by a gap. In a specific example, for each plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width, there are three or more coils of the second coil height and coil width.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric view120′ of a canted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124that are eccentric or displaced relative to one another when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. Said differently, the smaller coils122are aligned with the first edge126and recessed from the second edge128by a gap132. The dimensions of the present spring length include a wire diameter of 0.0015 in, coil heights of 0.011 in and 0.014 in for smaller coils122and larger coils124, respectively, and coil widths of 0.013 in and 0.018 in for smaller coils122and larger coils124, respectively. As shown, the dimensions of the larger coils124are the same as the dimensions of the coils102of the canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 4Aand the spacing between the smaller coils122and larger coils124of the present embodiment is the same as the spacing between coils of the canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 7Bshows a side view130and an isometric view130′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length120,120′ illustrated inFIG. 7A, such as by joining the spring length's two free ends. As shown, the spring ring130,130′ has a ring inner perimeter112of 0.025 in. The ring inner perimeter112and the ring outer perimeter114are the same as those of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 4B. However, the effective spacing between coils, which is the same as that of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 5B, doubles the effective spacing between coils of such canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 4A. Said differently, the spacing for the coils124that align along the inner perimeter112of the present spring ring130is twice the spacing of the coils102that align along the inner perimeter112of the spring ring110ofFIG. 4B. However, the spacing for the coils122,124that align along the outer perimeter114of the present spring ring130is the same as for the coils102that align along the outer perimeter114of the spring ring110ofFIG. 4B.

Therefore the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 7A-7Ballows for the same ring inner perimeter112as the spring ring ofFIG. 4Bbut whereby the spacing at the inner perimeter112is improved in that there are fewer coils aligned along the inner perimeter. As shown, the spacing of the coils124that align along the inner perimeter is twice that of the coils102ofFIG. 4Band wherein the coil density, such as number of total coils for a given length, is the same for both spring lengths. The spring ring130,130′ ofFIG. 7Bmay also be used to provide an improved electromagnetic interference shielding capacity.

As described, an aspect of the present disclosure is understood to include a spring length having two ends, which includes a first end and a second end, and a plurality of coils of a first coil height and width and a plurality of coils having a second coil height and width, which are smaller than the first coil height and width, and wherein the spring length defines a spring ring having an inner perimeter when the two ends are joined and wherein the inner perimeter is defined by the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width only. In a particular example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are recessed from the inner perimeter by a gap132. In still yet another example, the plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width are aligned with the plurality of coils of the first coil height and coil width along an outer perimeter114. The present spring ring is also understood to include a plurality of coils of the second coil height and coil width that are recessed along the inner perimeter by a gap and aligned with the outer perimeter114.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric view120′ of a canted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124that are eccentric or displaced relative to one another when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. Said differently, the smaller coils122are aligned with the first edge126and recessed from the second edge128by a gap132. For the present spring length120,120′ ofFIG. 8A, the wire and coil dimensions are equal to those of the canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 7A. However, instead of there being a larger coil124located between every other smaller coil122, the larger coils124are disposed at every two or more smaller coils122, which in the present embodiment is every six smaller coils122. The present configuration results in a canted coil spring ring with a total of four larger coils124only, as seen inFIG. 7B, which shows a side view130and an isometric view130′ of a canted coil spring ring generated from the canted coil spring length120,120′ ofFIG. 7A. The spring ring130,130′ has a ring inner perimeter112of 0.025 in. As shown, the ring inner perimeter112and the outer perimeter114are also the same as those of the canted coil spring ring shown inFIG. 4B, although in this case the inner perimeter being defined by just a few larger coils124.

Therefore, canted coil spring ring designs of those illustrated inFIGS. 5B to 8Bor similar spring rings allow for improved effective spacing between coils of a canted coil spring ring at least along the inner perimeter112over comparable spring rings with similar number of total coils without losing the canted configuration of the coils, such as employing fewer coils, smaller coil dimensions, different wire diameter, etc. The spring rings of the present device, system, and method may be used to adjust the force and/or conductive properties, such as electrical or thermal, of a canted coil spring ring and yet conform to possibly inflexible space constraints.

FIGS. 3A-B,7A-B and8A-B described herein illustrate different canted coil springs with alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124not being concentric to each other but displaced relative to one another when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄. Regarding the spring ring embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 3B, 7B and 8B, the outer perimeter defined by the smaller coils, such as the outer projections of the outer edges of the smaller coils only, coincides with the outer perimeter114of the canted coil spring ring. Such spring ring configuration: (1) allows for the ring inner perimeter112to be reduced without having to increase the spring ring outer perimeter114, which may be of interest when the purpose is to help with miniaturization of components; and (2) maintains the contact surface area at the ring outer perimeter114, which may be of interest in conductive applications, such as for electrical or thermal, in which the spring ring is located between a conductive housing having a bore and a conductive pin, also sometimes referred to as a shaft or rod.

With reference now toFIG. 9, a side view110and a perspective view110′ of a spring ring are shown. The enlarged sections9A,9A′ ofFIG. 9show possible weld locations140for joining two ends of a spring length to form the spring ring for a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring. As shown, the possible weld locations are: the center portion142of the side coil, the center portion144of the back coil, the portion146of a coil located at the ring inner perimeter112, and the portion148of a coil located at the ring outer perimeter114.

With reference now toFIG. 10, a side view130and a perspective view130′ of a spring ring are shown. The enlarged sections10A,10A′ ofFIG. 10show possible weld locations140for joining two ends, for example forming a weld140to form the spring ring having coils that alternate between larger coils124and smaller coils122. As shown, the possible weld locations are: the center portion150of any side coil, the center portion152of any back coil, the portion154of any coil located nearest to or at the ring inner perimeter112, and the portion156of any coil located nearest to or at the ring outer perimeter114. As shown, the smaller coils122are recessed at both the inner and outer perimeters of the spring ring.

Other methods of joining two ends of a canted coil spring length to form a spring ring are contemplated, such as by threading, snap-in joint, and engagement by interference of several coils near the coil ends.

With reference now toFIG. 11, a side view130and a perspective view130′ of a spring ring are shown. The enlarged sections11A,11A′ ofFIG. 11show possible weld locations140for joining two ends, for example forming a weld140to form the spring ring having coils that alternate between larger coils124and smaller coils122. As shown, the possible weld locations are: the center portion150of any side coil, the center portion152of any back coil, the portion154of any coil located nearest to or at the ring inner perimeter112, and the portion156of any coil located nearest to or at the ring outer perimeter114. As shown, the smaller coils122are recessed at the inner perimeter112but are aligned with the larger coils124along the outer perimeter114of the spring ring130,130′.

FIG. 12Aillustrates a side view120and an isometric view120′ of the canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 5AwhileFIG. 12Bshows a helical spring length in side view160and perspective view160′, having alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124being concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄, i.e., the smaller coils122are recessed from the first side edge126by a gap132and recessed from the second side edge128by a gap132. In one example, the gaps at the first side edge126and the second side edge128are generally the same. In another example, the gaps at the first side edge126and the second side edge128are different. As shown, the spring length160,160′ ofFIG. 12Bhas the same wire diameter and similar coil dimensions as the spring length120,120′ ofFIG. 12A. The spring length160,160′ ofFIG. 12Bmay be joined at its two ends to form a spring ring for mounting onto a pin, shaft, or rod.

FIG. 13Ashows a side view120and an isometric view120′ of the canted coil spring length shown inFIG. 7A, whileFIG. 13Bshows a helical spring length in side view160and perspective view160′ having alternating smaller coils122and larger coils124not being concentric to each other but displaced relative to one another when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄, i.e., the smaller coils122are aligned at the first side edge126but are recessed from the second side edge128by a gap132. As shown, the spring length160,160′ ofFIG. 13Bhas the same wire diameter and similar coil dimensions as the spring length120,120′ ofFIG. 13A. The spring length160,160′ ofFIG. 13Bmay be joined at its two ends to form a spring ring for mounting onto a pin, shaft, or rod.

FIG. 14Ashows a side view120and an isometric view120′ of an alternative canted coil spring length design comprising a canted coil spring length having alternating smaller coils122, medium coils166, and larger coils124. The smaller coils122and larger coils124being concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄ and the medium coils166and the larger coils124being displaced relative to one another when viewed in the same direction of the centerline ℄. In other words, the smaller coils122are recessed from the first side edge126by a gap132and recessed from the second side edge128by a gap132. The medium coils166are aligned with the first side edge126but are recessed from the second side edge128by a gap132.FIG. 14Bshows a helical spring length in side view160and perspective view160′ having smaller coils122, medium coils166, and larger coils124. The smaller coils122and the larger coils124are concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline, i.e., the smaller coils122are recessed from the first side edge126by a gap132and recessed from the second side edge128by a gap132. In one example, the gaps at the first side edge126and the second side edge128are generally the same. The medium coils166and the larger coils124are displaced relative to one another when viewed in the same direction of the ℄, the medium coils166are aligned at the first side edge126but are recessed from the second side edge128by a gap132. As shown, the spring length160,160′ ofFIG. 14Bhas the same wire diameter and similar coil dimensions as the spring length120,120′ ofFIG. 14A. The spring length160,160′ ofFIG. 13Bmay be joined at its two ends to form a spring ring for mounting onto a pin, shaft, or rod.

All canted coil springs shown and described herein have elliptical coil cross sections. In other words, when viewing the coils down the spring centerline ℄, the coils have an elliptical shape in which the col height is smaller than the coil width. However, not only do elliptical coils but also non-elliptical coils may be considered and practiced in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.FIGS. 15A and 15Bshow canted coil spring rings130having alternating smaller elliptical coils122and larger elliptical coils124. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Ashow the relative positions of the coils122,124when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15A. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Bshow the relative positions of the coils122,124when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15B.

FIG. 15Cshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller elliptical coils122and larger square coils190. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Cshow the relative positions of the coils122,190when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15C.FIG. 15Dshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller square coils192and larger square coils190. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Dshow the relative positions of the coils190,192when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15D.

FIG. 15Eshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller elliptical coils122and larger D shaped coils196. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Eshow the relative positions of the coils122,196when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15E. As shown, the smaller coils122are recessed from the inner and outer perimeters defined by the larger D shaped coils196. The gaps132at the inner and outer perimeters112,114are approximately the same but in other embodiments they can differ.FIG. 15Gshow a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller elliptical coils122and larger D shaped coils196. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Gshow the relative positions of the coils122,196when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15G. As shown, the smaller coils122are recessed from the inner and outer perimeters defined by the larger D shaped coils196. The gap132or amount of recess at the outer perimeter114differs from the gap132at the inner perimeter112.

FIG. 15Fshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller D shaped coils198and larger D shaped coils196. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Fshow the relative positions of the coils196,198when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15F. As shown, the smaller D shaped coils198are recessed from the inner perimeter112defined by the larger D shaped coils196but are generally aligned with the outer perimeter114.FIG. 15Hshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller D shaped coils198and larger D shaped coils196. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Hshow the relative positions of the coils196,198when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15F. As shown, the smaller D shaped coils198are recessed from the inner perimeter112defined by the larger D shaped coils196but are generally aligned with the outer perimeter114. The smaller D shaped coils196in the embodiment ofFIG. 15Fface, i.e., having curved sections and straighter sections, in the opposite direction compared to the smaller D shaped coils196in the embodiment ofFIG. 15H.

FIG. 15Ishows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller elliptical coils122and larger coils200having a depressed outer portion202depressed toward the exterior of the spring ring. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Ishow the relative positions of the coils122,200when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15I.FIG. 15Jshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller coils204and larger coils200with both having depressed outer portions202depressed toward the exterior of the spring ring. In alternative embodiments, the depressed portions202ofFIGS. 151 and 15Jmay be rotated or positioned along the inner perimeter112. The depressed portions are configured to increase the contact points or surface areas between the coils and the surface that the coils come in contact with. This in turn lowers resistance for current or electric flow through the coils.

FIG. 15Kshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller elliptical coils122and larger coils200having depressed inner and outer portions202. Spring sections172and174ofFIG. 15Kshow the relative positions of the coils122,200when viewed along the mid-line170of the spring ring130ofFIG. 15K.FIG. 15Lshows a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller coils204having depressed outer portions202along the spring ring outer perimeter114and larger coils200having depressed inner and outer portions202along the spring ring inner perimeter112and outer perimeter114.

With reference again toFIGS. 15E to 15H, different possible ways to generate D shaped coil cross sections, i.e., D shaped coils, are shown. D shaped coils shown inFIGS. 15E and 15Fare achieved by flattening the outer portion of the coils, whereas those shown inFIGS. 15G and 15Hare achieved by bending the coils so that the inner portion has a first canting angle and the outer portion has a second canting angle, the first canting angle being smaller than the second canting angle.

The canted coil spring rings illustrated herein having smaller and larger coils displaced relative to one another when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline have the ring outer perimeter defined by both the smaller and the larger coils. However, a canted coil spring ring may have smaller and larger coils displaced relative to one another when viewed in the referred direction and yet have the ring outer perimeter defined by the larger coils only.

FIGS. 16A-Fshow different connector assemblies210with each comprising a housing212having a bore214receiving a shaft216, which may also be referred to as a pin or a rod, inserted into the bore214with a canted coil spring ring130disposed in the bore and biasing against the housing212and the shaft216. As shown, the spring ring130comprises alternating smaller coils218and larger coils220engaging the housing and the shaft. With reference specifically toFIG. 16A, the spring ring130shown may embody any of the spring ring discussed elsewhere herein having alternating smaller coils and relatively larger coils positioned in a housing groove222, which has a groove bottom224and two sidewalls226,228. As shown, the groove bottom is a V-groove. In another example, the V-groove has a flat surface located between the two tapered surfaces. The groove bottom224may alternatively have a single slanted surface relative to the shaft centerline or a complex curve. As shown, the two sidewalls226,228are generally parallel to one another. In another example, the two sidewalls are not generally parallel to one another, such as being tapered relative to the housing centerline. The shaft216is shown with a tapered insertion end230for lifting the coils218,220during insertion of the shaft. The shaft216is shown without a shaft groove. In another example, the shaft has an external shaft groove and the connector has a pair of grooves.

In general, the present spring embodiments with unique capabilities that enable them to have smaller inner perimeters may be used with connectors that may be categorized as a holding connector, a latching connector, or a locking connector. These connectors typically include a housing and a pin and the canted coil spring is used therebetween the secure the two together. A holding connector is understood to utilize a spring force provided by the canted coil spring against a flat surface so that friction and the spring force prevent the pin and the housing from separating. A holding connector can have a single groove on the inside bore of the housing or on an exterior surface of the pin. A latching connector is understood to include a pair of grooves, one on or in the housing bore and one on an exterior surface of the pin. The spring is trapped between the pair of grooves to latch the pin to the housing. Separation is possible by moving the pin and the housing relative to one another without destroying the spring. A locking connector has a pair of grooves like a latching connector. However, due to the groove geometries for the pair of grooves in the locking connector, the pin cannot separate from the housing without destroying the spring. If separation is attempted, the spring can be plastically deformed. Thus, in accordance with this understanding, the canted coil springs having the unique inner perimeter spacing characteristics discussed herein are usable with any connector having any groove geometry for purposes of holding, latching, or locking application. Exemplary locking connectors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,411,348 and 5,082,390, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for purposes of teaching groove geometries for use with the present spring rings for locking applications. Exemplary latching and locking connectors are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2010-0090379A1, Ser. No. 12/614,769, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for purposes of teaching groove geometries for use with the present spring rings for locking and latching applications.

FIG. 16Bshows a connector210that is similar to the connector ofFIG. 16Abut wherein the housing groove has a groove bottom224that is generally flat, i.e., generally parallel, relative to the centerline of the shaft216. In another example, the groove bottom224tapers relative to the shaft centerline. As shown, the two sidewalls226,228are generally parallel to one another. In another example, the two sidewalls are not generally parallel to one another.

The shaft216is shown with a tapered insertion end230for lifting the coils218,220during insertion of the shaft. The shaft216is shown without a shaft groove. In another example, the shaft has an external shaft groove.

FIGS. 16C and 16Dshow two connector assemblies210each with a housing212having a bore214having a shaft or pin216disposed therein and a canted coil spring ring130positioned therebetween and biasing against both the housing212and the pin216. In the two embodiments, the spring130is located in a pin groove232, which comprises two groove surfaces234,236. The housings212ofFIGS. 16C and 16Ddo not incorporate a housing groove. As shown, the pin groove232is a V-groove. In another example, a generally flat bottom surface is located between the two groove surfaces234,236. The spring130shown inFIG. 16Chas smaller coils218and relatively larger coils220that are concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄, i.e., wherein the smaller coils218are recessed from the inner perimeter112of the spring ring130by a gap and the outer perimeter114by a gap. The spring130shown inFIG. 16Dhas smaller coils218and relatively larger coils220that are eccentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄, i.e., wherein the smaller coils218are recessed from the inner perimeter112of the spring ring130by a gap but are aligned with the larger coils220along the outer perimeter114by a gap. However, any of the spring rings discussed elsewhere herein may be used for the spring ring130ofFIGS. 16C and 16D.

FIG. 16Eshows a connector210where both the housing212and the pin216are grooved for retaining the spring ring130. As shown, the housing212resembles that of FIG.16A and has a groove222that can embody any of the groove geometries described and incorporated herein by reference. The pin groove232shown inFIG. 16Ehas a bottom surface240located between two sidewalls242,244. In one example, the bottom surface240is generally parallel to the pin centerline with other configurations contemplated. The first sidewall242is shown with a taper while the second sidewall244is shown generally orthogonal to the shaft centerline. In other examples, the sidewalls242,244have different configurations, such as being reversed, both are generally orthogonal to the shaft centerline, both are tapered, etc. The pin groove232may also be sized and shaped so that the pin groove contacts the spring coils at multiple surfaces when latched. For example, the pin groove232ofFIG. 16Emay be a V-groove and both slanted surfaces of the V-groove contact the spring ring when latched.

FIG. 16Fshows a connector assembly210that is similar to that ofFIG. 16Ebut where the housing groove222is similar to that ofFIG. 16B. For both connectors210, the spring ring130may be any of the spring rings discussed elsewhere herein and the housing groove222and pin groove232may embody any of the groove geometries described or incorporated herein by reference.

Although spring rings, i.e., garter-shaped springs or circular shaped springs, are discussed extensively herein, the present device, system, and method include non-circular coil spring rings. With reference to the connector210ofFIG. 17A, a housing212is shown with a bore214having a pin216disposed therein and a spring ring130biased against the housing and the pin. The connector210, including the spring130, may embody one of the connectors discussed elsewhere herein. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft216may be circular or non-circular.

With reference toFIG. 17B(1), a cross-sectional end view of the shaft216ofFIG. 17Ais shown taken along line A-A. As shown, the shaft has a circular shaft cross section. However,FIG. 17B(2) show the same shaft216can have a non-circular cross-section, such as having an elliptical shaft cross section taken along the same view.FIGS. 17B(3) to17B(6) show additional alternative shaft cross-sections, including a quadrangular shape254, a rectangular shape256, a triangular shape258, and a hexagonal shape260. However, any other ring shape shaft cross-section is contemplated and understood to fall within the scope of the present application. The multi-sided shafts ofFIGS. 17B(3) to17B(6) may generically be referred to as a shaft with a polygonal shape cross-section.

FIGS. 18A-18Dshow various gasket assemblies270each comprising a groove272receiving a canted coil spring ring130having alternating smaller coils218and larger coils220. The groove272is sized and shaped to position the spring ring130, such as to hold the spring in the groove in a certain orientation, so that the spring can be loaded in a selected direction, referred to as a loading direction. The loading direction in the gasket assemblies270ofFIGS. 18A to 18Dis parallel to the sidewalls274,276of the groove272and to the minor axis or coil height of the coils. The spring rings130of the various gasket assemblies may embody any of the spring ring discussed elsewhere herein.

With reference now to the gasket assemblies270ofFIGS. 18E-18G, the loading direction of the gasket assemblies is parallel to the side walls274,276of the groove272and the major axis or coil width of the coils. However, none of these parallelisms is required.FIGS. 18E to 18Geach shows a groove272having a convex bottom surface278disposed aslant to the sidewalls274,276. Such bottom surface278may be concave instead and it may form a right angle with the sidewalls274-276. The spring rings130of the various gasket assemblies may embody any of the spring ring discussed elsewhere herein.

FIGS. 19 to 22show canted coil springs having more than two plurality of coils alternating with each other according to an alternating pattern. For example, these canted coil springs have a first through Nth plurality of coils having Nth different coil sizes, i.e., Nth different coil widths and coils heights, where “N” represents a whole integer.

With reference now toFIG. 19, a side view of an alternative spring length120is shown, which comprises a plurality of coils with alternating coil sizes. As shown, the spring length120comprises three larger coils124each having a first coil height and coil width (called a first set of coil dimensions) that are spaced from three smaller coils122with each having a second coil height and coil width (called a second set of coil dimensions), which are smaller than the first set of coil dimensions. A plurality of intermediate coils290having coil widths and coil heights of values between the first and the second set of coil dimensions are located between the larger coils124and the smaller coils122. In the present embodiment, three intermediate coils292,294,296having three different intermediate coil dimensions are incorporated. Each intermediate coil has a coil width and a coil height which differ from the adjacent intermediate coil width and coil height. As shown, the intermediate coil292is larger than the intermediate coil294and which is larger than the intermediate coil296. The largest intermediate coil292is located closest to the larger coils124whereas the smaller intermediate coil296is located closest to the smaller coils122. Thus, the spring length120ofFIG. 19has the following coil alternating pattern: large coils124, intermediate coils290, small coils122, intermediate coils290, and then repeat. In an example, there are three large coils124, three intermediate coils290, and three small coils122. In a specific example, the three large coils have the same coil dimensions, the three small coils have the same coil dimensions, and the three intermediate coils have different dimensions that very between the large and the small coil dimensions.

The spring length120ofFIG. 19is connectable at its two ends to form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. In the present embodiment, the spring ring formed from said spring length120ofFIG. 19will have had inner and outer perimeters defined by the three consecutively positioned larger coils124. The intermediate coils290and the smaller coils122would be located between adjacent sets of larger coils124. The effective spacing between coils of the canted coil spring ring formed from the spring length120ofFIG. 19will have improved coil spacing along the inner perimeter and therefore less likely to be butted along the inner perimeter compared to a similar canted coil spring made entirely from the same larger coils124.

The spring length120ofFIG. 20shows yet another alternative spring length120provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method. As shown, the spring length120comprises a plurality of coils with the following coil alternating pattern: a single large coil124, a single first intermediate coil292, a single second intermediate coil294, a small coil122, and then repeat. The spring length120ofFIG. 20is connectable at its two ends to form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. In the present embodiment, the spring ring formed from said spring length120ofFIG. 20will have had inner and outer perimeters defined by the larger coils124. The intermediate coils292,294and the smaller coils122would be located between adjacent larger coils124.

The spring length120ofFIG. 21shows yet another alternative spring length120provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method. As shown, the spring length120comprises a plurality of coils with the following coil alternating pattern: a single large coil124, a single first intermediate coil292, a single second intermediate coil294, two consecutive small coils122, a single second intermediate coil294, a single first intermediate coil292, and then repeat. The spring length120ofFIG. 21is connectable at its two ends to form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. In the present embodiment, the spring ring formed from said spring length120ofFIG. 21will have had inner and outer perimeters defined by the larger coils124. The intermediate coils292,294and the smaller coils122would be located between adjacent larger coils124.

The spring length120ofFIG. 22shows yet another alternative spring length120provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method. As shown, the spring length120comprises a plurality of coils with the following coil alternating pattern: a single large coil124, a single first intermediate coil292, a single second intermediate coil294, a single small coil122, a single second intermediate coil294, a single first intermediate coil292, and then repeat. The spring length120ofFIG. 22is connectable at its two ends to form a spring ring comprising an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. In the present embodiment, the spring ring formed from said spring length120ofFIG. 22will have had inner and outer perimeters defined by the larger coils124. The intermediate coils292,294and the smaller coils122would be located between adjacent larger coils124.

In other examples, spring lengths of different coil alternating patterns are contemplated. Also, while the spring lengths120ofFIGS. 19-22have coils that are concentric to each other when viewed in the direction of the spring centerline ℄, the coils can be eccentric or aligned to the first side edge126.

Still further, when a canted coil spring ring is described having a first coil type alternating with a second coil type to form a ring with an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defined by the first coil type only, the spring ring can include additional coil type or types. For example, the spring lengths ofFIGS. 19-22have coils that alternate between the larger coils124and the smaller coils122but wherein other coil types, such as intermediate coils290, can also alternate between the larger coils124and the smaller coils. Thus, unless the context indicates otherwise, the reference to only a first coil type alternating with a second coil type does not exclude a spring length or spring ring having other coil types, which is understood to mean different coil shape and/or coil dimensions.

In another example, although less preferred, any of the foregoing spring lengths described in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure may include other coil type or types positioned along with the largest coils to define the inner perimeter. For example, with reference toFIG. 19in which multiple coil types are shown, one or two of the intermediate coil types, such as coil292, coil294or coil296, may align along the inner perimeter, such as aligned with the second side edge128. This will also reduce the inner perimeter dimension for that particular spring length when connecting the two free ends to from a spring ring compared to a constant coil cross section canted coil spring ring made of a similar material and having a similar total number of coils.

FIG. 23shows various wire cross sections that may be used to form the canted coil spring lengths for forming any of the disclosed spring rings shown and described herein. The exemplary wires include the following wire cross sections, in addition to being round: an elliptical wire300, a flat wire302, a polygonal wire304, a star shaped wire306, and a U-shaped wire308. Other shaped wires are contemplated.

Although limited embodiments of canted coil springs and connector assemblies and their components have been specifically described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various canted coil springs and connector assemblies may incorporate different metal claddings or different platings, may be used in different end applications, etc. For example, the connectors described with reference to16A-16F may be used in any number of industries, including in aerospace, automotive, military defense, consumer electronics, oil and gas, etc. Furthermore, it is understood and contemplated that features specifically discussed for one canted coil spring and connector assembly embodiment may be adopted for inclusion with another canted coil spring and connector assembly embodiment, provided the functions are compatible. For example, while one connector is described with certain groove geometry and a certain spring ring, different groove geometries and different spring rings with different coil alternating patterns may be used that are described elsewhere herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the canted coil springs and connector assemblies and their components constructed according to principles of the disclosed device, system, and method may be embodied other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure is also defined in the following claims. Still furthermore, where one feature of an embodiment is shown but not expressly described but the same or similar feature is shown and described in another embodiment, the disclosed part may be understood to describe or teach the same or similar feature in the other disclosed but not expressly described embodiment. The disclosure is therefore understood to teach a person of ordinary skill in the art the disclosed embodiments without having to repeat similar components in all embodiments.