Patent Publication Number: US-11050190-B2

Title: Electrical connectors with linear springs and related methods

Description:
FIELD OF ART 
     The present invention is generally directed to electrical connectors for transmitting electrical signals or power with specific discussions on electrical connectors with linear springs and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical connector assemblies that use a housing, a pin, and a spring are staples of various electronic devices. The connectors allow two different nodes or sources to be connected to one another and permit electrical communication between the two. However, they can be bulky or have other drawbacks. Non-spring based connectors are also commercially available for connecting two different nodes or sources. They can include pin and socket, soldering, clamps, detents, etc. 
     Electronics such as televisions, smartphones, tablets, electrical circuits for automobiles, aircrafts, sea-crafts, satellites, medical devices, etc., all use electrical connector assemblies. Thus, a suitable electrical connector must be robust and dependable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to connector assemblies, which can be used as a mechanical connector to secure two objects or components together or an electrical connector for placing two sources in electrical communication with one another. 
     A connector assembly of the present disclosure can comprise a housing comprising a body with a wall thickness; a retaining component comprising a ring, a finger, and a spring length with two free ends that are spaced from one another located with the finger, and a pin with a tapered insertion end is positioned through the ring; and wherein the spring length with two free ends contact the pin and the finger. 
     The pin can comprise a recessed slot and the spring length can be positioned, at least in part, in the recessed slot of the pin. 
     The housing can comprise a recessed slot and the spring length can be positioned, at least in part, in the recessed slot of the housing. 
     The he ring of the retaining component can have a gap to enable the ring to expand or contact. 
     The finger can be a first finger and the spring length can be a first spring length. 
     The connector assembly can comprise a second finger connected to the ring of the retaining component and a second spring length and wherein the second spring length can be located with the second finger. 
     The recessed slot can comprise two sidewalls, a bottom wall located between the two sidewalls, and two end walls connected to the two sidewalls. 
     At least one of the two sidewalls can be a tapered sidewall and can be tapered relative to the bottom wall. 
     The ring of the retaining component can contact an interior surface of the housing before the pin is inserted in a bore of the housing or the ring can contact the pin before the pin is inserted in a bore of the housing. 
     The he recessed slot can be a first recessed slot, and further comprising a second recessed slot located on the pin, said second recessed slot can comprise two sidewalls. 
     The finger can be unitarily formed with the ring of the retaining component. 
     The finger of the retaining component can have a first bend, a second bend, and a free end that points in a direction of the ring and away from the second bend. 
     The spring length can be a canted coil spring length comprising a plurality of interconnected coils all canted in a same general direction and the housing has a round housing wall or has a polygonal shaped housing wall. 
     The spring length can be a canted coil spring with a complex coil shape. 
     The coils can be positioned in a recessed slot having a dovetail groove or a T-shape groove. 
     The retaining component can be formed from a wire or by stamping a metal sheet with one or more cutting dies. 
     The finger can have a bend connected to the ring and a free end pointing away from the ring and having a bent retaining tip. 
     The housing can comprise a body with a wall thickness, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a bore; and wherein a recessed slot can be formed with the housing or the pin. 
     The pin can be rotatable about a lengthwise axis of the pin to separate from the bore of the housing. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure include a connector assembly comprising: an housing comprising a body with a wall thickness, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a bore; a pin comprising a tapered insertion end and an exterior surface; a spring length having free ends that are not connected positioned in a slot and the spring length is located between and in contact with the interior surface of the housing and the pin to complete an electrical path. 
     The slot can be formed in the wall thickness of the housing or in the pin. The slot can have a complex cross-sectional shape to receive a canted coil spring with a complex coil shape as disclosed in US Publication No. 2017/0025779. 
     The slot can have two sidewalls and a bottom wall located therebetween. 
     The connector assembly can utilize a housing with a unitarily formed finger. 
     Two sidewalls of the slot can be generally parallel to one another or at least one of the two sidewalls can be a tapered sidewall and is tapered relative to the bottom wall. 
     The pin is rotatable about a lengthwise axis of the pin to separate from the housing, the rotation can cause a tapered sidewall to lift a plurality of interconnected canted coils. 
     The pin can have a round cross-sectional shape or a polygonal shape. 
     Aspects of the present invention include a method of using a connector assembly. The method of using can comprise: inserting a pin having a tapered insertion end into a bore of a housing having an exterior surface and an interior surface or inserting a pin having a tapered insertion into a bore of a ring of retaining component having two fingers extending from the ring; contacting a spring length having two free ends that are not connected with the interior surface of the housing and the pin or contacting two spring lengths each with two free ends and each mounted on a respective one of the two fingers of the retaining component with the pin; wherein the spring length or the two spring lengths each is a canted coil spring comprising a plurality of interconnected coils. 
     The ring of the retaining component can be fastened to a hardware. 
     Aspects of the present invention can include a method of making a connector assembly and components of a connector assembly as described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present devices, systems, and methods will become appreciated as the same becomes better understood with reference to the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a retaining component. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of another retaining component. 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of another retaining component. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective cross-sectional side view of an electrical connector assembly. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective, detailed, and cross-sectional side views, respectively, of an electrical connector having spring sections located on fingers of a retaining component. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a pin having a recessed channel or slot for receiving a spring section. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view or cross-sectional end view of an electrical connector assembly with a single spring length. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the electrical connector assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an end view or cross-sectional end view of an electrical connector assembly with a single spring length located in a recessed channel or slot of the housing. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial schematic view of an alternative recessed channel or slot of a housing and a canted coil spring section with a complex coil shape located in the recessed channel. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  show different views of a housing for use in an electrical connector assembly with a finger for retaining a spring section. 
         FIG. 9E  is a partial schematic view of an alternative finger for use with the housing of  FIGS. 9A-9D . 
         FIG. 10A  is a side view of an electrical connector assembly in which the retaining component is pin mounted. 
         FIGS. 10B and 10C  are different views of the pin of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  depicts an alternative mounting of a retaining component. 
         FIG. 12  shows an end view or a cross-sectional end view of an electrical connector assembly in which the housing and the pin both have polygonal shapes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of electrical connector assemblies provided in accordance with aspects of the present devices, systems, and methods and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present devices, systems, and methods may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present devices, systems, and methods 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. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a retaining component  100  for an electrical connector comprising a ring  102  and one or more fingers or tabs  104 , which can be used synonymously. As shown, the two fingers  104  extend from the ring  102 . In other examples, there can be more than two fingers extending from the ring  102 . In an example, the ring  102  can an annular body  108  made from a metal material and has an open or hollow center  110 , said body defining a plane. The two fingers  104  can extend in a generally perpendicular direction from the plane and the ring  102  can have a shape that is other than round to fit against or onto a correspondingly shaped housing or pin. In some examples, the one or more fingers  104  can extend at an angle other than perpendicular to accommodate the corresponding structure of the electrical connector, as further discussed below. 
     The ring  102  and the two fingers  104  extending from the body  108  defining the ring can be made by a stamping process. For example, the retaining component  100  can be made by using one more cutting dies and one or more punching steps to press the one or more dies through a metal sheet to form the ring  102  and the one or more tabs  112 . The tabs or fingers  112  can then be post-stamped processed to form a final configuration, such as how the one or more fingers  104  should be positioned relative to the ring  102 . In other examples, the fingers are separately formed from the ring  102  and then subsequently attached to the ring, such as by welding. Still alternatively, the one more fingers can be formed with the ring, such as by stamping, with a first length. Additional lengths can then be added, such as by welding, to the one or more fingers that are unitarily formed with the ring with a first shortly length. 
     The retaining component  100  is therefore understood as a component that can be made by stamping a single stamped metal sheet, such as a single conductive metallic material, which can have a single metal layer or a multi-metallic layer. The ring  102  can have a central axis passing through a center  110  thereof. As shown in  FIG. 1A , after the stamping process with one or more dies, the elongated tab  104  that forms the finger is then bent at a first bend  111  so that its lengthwise direction extends generally co-axially with the central axis of the ring. If the tab  104  is longer than the desired final length of the housing, then the tab can have a second bend  112  so that a free end  114  of the tab  104  is turned towards the ring  102  or in the direction of the ring. In some examples, the tab is stamped with an appropriate length so that a second bend can be omitted. 
     Where a second bend  112  is incorporated, the width or overall thickness profile of the finger  104  is wider than the thickness of the metal sheet from which the finger is stamped. The finger with the second bend has a first finger portion or section  116  that connects to the ring  102  and a second finger portion or section  118  having a free end  114  with an optional bent retaining lip. As further discussed below, the one or more fingers  104  can each accommodate a length of canted coil spring. The spring length, which can be a canted coil spring, such as a radial canted coil spring, an axial canted coil spring, or a hybrid canted coil spring with both radial and axial canting components, can have two free ends or two ends that are not connected to one another mounted on the finger  104  with the finger projecting through the coil center of the canted coil spring length. Where the finger has a second bend  112 , the first finger section or portion  116  can project through the coil centerline of the spring length. In other examples, the second figure section or portion  118  can extend through the coil centerline of the spring length. 
     A canted coil spring is understood as a spring that has a plurality of interconnected coils that all cant generally in the same direction. The canted coil spring differs from traditional compression or extension helical springs, which cannot cant in the radial direction between the two free ends of the spring length. In the embodiments of the present invention, canted coil spring sections in a spring length configuration with two free ends are used with the connector assemblies. The length of the spring section can vary as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , each of the two fingers  104  is bent multiple times to produce a complex shape having two or more bent angles or bent sections and two bends. In other examples, a single bent is provided to turn the stamped elongated piece so that it aligns with the central axis of the ring. As shown, each of the two fingers  104  has an upper or outer finger section  118  that is generally parallel with a lower or inner finger section  116 . The two finger sections  116 ,  118  define a gap  119  therebetween. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the retaining component  100  can be made from a wire, or from one or more wire sections. For example, a wire can have two ends. A ring can be formed using the wire and where the first end comes together to enclose the ring, the first end can be intertwined with the wire section to secure the ring. The other free end can then extend from the ring to form a finger for holding a canted coil spring section, said spring section have two free ends. 
       FIG. 1B  shows an alternative a stamped retaining component  100  for use with an electrical connector. In the present embodiment, the body  108  defining the ring  102  is not continuous. As shown, the body  108  has a gap  106  to enable the body to collapse until the two ends at the gap  106  contact or expand to further enlarge the gap. The ring  102  can thus act like a snap ring. The present retaining component  100  is shown with a single finger  104 . Further, the finger  104  is shown with a single finger section  116  having a bent free end  114  with a bent retaining lip  114   a . The free end  114  is understood to be an end part of the finger that is free to move or deflect and not constrained by another component or element and does not necessarily mean the end most point of the finger. The retaining lip  114   a  can be optional. In other examples, the free end  114  is provided with a detent for engaging a corresponding detent to retain the spring length, rather than incorporating a unitarily formed retaining lip. The retaining component  100  of  FIG. 1B  is shown with one finger with additional fingers contemplated. When multiple fingers are incorporated with a retaining component  100 , for the present embodiment or for other retaining components discussed elsewhere herein, the fingers can be equally spaced around the body of the ring or un-equally spaced. 
       FIG. 1C  shows yet another alternative retaining component  100  for an electrical connector application in which the ring  102  is formed with a continuous ring body  108 , without a gap and by stamping a metal sheet, like that of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In less preferred embodiments, the retaining component  100  described herein can be machined with or without post-machined welding, such as to attached a finger. 
     The retaining component  100  of  FIG. 1C  has a single finger  104  extending from the ring. In other examples, two, three, or more than three fingers can be provided and extend from the ring  102 . The ring can have a gap or no gap. The finger  104  is shown with a single finger section  116  having a bent free end  114  with a bent retaining lip  114   a.    
       FIG. 2  shows a connector assembly  200  comprising a housing  120 , a pin  122 , a stamped retaining component  100  as provided herein, and at least two spring sections  124  located on each of the at least two fingers  104  extending from a ring  102  of the retaining component  100 . In other embodiments, the retaining component  100  can have a single finger for supporting a single spring section  124 . Unless indicated otherwise, each canted coil spring section  124  has two free ends that are not connected. The housing  120  can embody an elongated cylinder section with at least one open inlet for receiving the pin and an optional open outlet at the opposite end of the housing. The housing can have a continuous wall in the radial direction or around the circumference or can have a gap. If a gap is incorporated, the gap can be up to about 40% of the total circumference of the housing. By limiting the gap to less than 50% of the total circumference, the pin  122  cannot slip out through the gap. 
     The pin  122  can be provided with at least two recessed slots or recessed channels  126  for accepting or receiving the at least two spring sections or lengths  124 , one in each slot  126 . The retaining component  100  can be oriented so that the two fingers  104  having the two spring lengths  124  mounted thereon, one spring length per finger, are aligned with the two channels  126  formed on the pin  122 . The pin  122  can incorporate a shoulder to abut against a surface of the housing  120 , such as the axial end at the housing inlet, to limit the insertion of the pin inside the bore of the housing. 
     In the connected position of  FIG. 2 , the spring lengths, which can be canted coil springs each with a plurality of interconnected coils that cant generally in the same canting direction, are biased by the surfaces of the two channels  126  and the interior surface of the housing  120 . In an electrical connector application, electric current or signal can pass between the housing  120  and the pin  122  via the one or more spring lengths  124 . In some examples, where two or more different spring lengths are utilized with the contact assembly, the spring lengths can be of the same length or different lengths, such as one being longer than the other. 
     Unless the context indicates otherwise, the housing, the pin, the spring section or sections, and the retaining component, the latter when utilized, can all be made of commercially available electrically conductive material or materials. Where an application is not electrically related, one or more of the connector assembly components can be made from a non-conductive material. 
     Aspects of the present invention are understood as being capable of electrical and dynamic applications. The present connector may also be suitable for use in EMI applications, such as for shielding EMI interference. 
     In an example, the pin  122  has a lengthwise axis and each slot or recessed channel  126  is formed lengthwise and aligned with the lengthwise axis of the pin. The pin has a planar end surface with a tapered insertion end  130  and a solid core  132 . The pin can have a length and a diameter that are sized and shaped for use as a pin for electrical applications. Further, the fingers on the retaining component  100  can be arranged to align with the slots. The annular gap or clearance gap  136  between the exterior surface of the pin  122  and the interior surface defining the bore of the housing  120  can be adjusted based on the selected spring sections  124 . For example, when the spring lengths have large coils and large spacing between the coils, the clearance gap  136  can be correspondingly large. The clearance gap  136  can also be non-uniform around the space between the housing and the pin. For example, when a single spring section is utilized or when multiple spring sections are utilized but spaced unequally around the circumference of the pin or the interior bore of the housing, the clearance gap  136  is non-uniform. 
     The stamped retaining component  100  can press fit into the bore of the housing  120 . For example, the outer circumference of the ring  102  of the retaining component  100  can press into the bore of the housing. In other examples, the fingers  104  can have finger sections that extend radially outwardly of the outer circumference of the ring  102  to bias against the interior surface of housing  120 . The fingers can bias against the housing with a retaining force to retain the retainer component  100  against the interior of the housing. In yet another example, the ring with the gap  106  of  FIG. 1B  is used with the housing  120  of  FIG. 2  and the gap allows for flexing of the body of the ring in the interior of the housing or around the exterior of the pin. 
     In an example, the retaining component  100  with spring lengths or sections  124  located with the fingers  104  is first installed inside the bore of the housing  120 . The pin  122  is then inserted into the hollow central region  110  of the ring  102  until the two spring sections  124  snap into the two slots or recessed channels  126  formed with the pin  122 . In some examples, alignment features can be provided on the pin  122 , the retaining component  100 , the outer housing  120 , on all three components, or on one, two or more of the components to facilitate setting of the spring sections into the slots on the pin  122 . For example, markers, indicators, guide pins, grooves, channels, etc. may be used to facilitate alignment of the various connector components. 
     In an example, the pin  122  is made from a conductive material and optionally can be coated or plated with a conductive outer layers or materials. The pin  122  has a tapered insertion end  130  to facilitate insertion of the pin into the ring  102  of the retaining component  100  and consequently into the housing  120 . Although not shown, other electrical or electronic components can connect to the housing and to the pin to then connect to one another. For example, a power source can connect to the pin  122  and a circuit board can connect to the housing  120  so that power can be supplied to the circuit board via the electrical path through the pin, the one or more spring lengths or sections, and the housing. 
     For the connector assemblies and connector assembly components disclosed herein, it is understood that where a feature is shown but not expressly described and is otherwise the same or similar to the feature or features described elsewhere, such as above with reference to  FIGS. 1A-2 , the disclosed part or parts shown in all the drawing figures but not expressly described because of redundancy and because knowledge is built on a foundation laid by earlier disclosures may nonetheless be understood to be described or taught by the same or similar features expressly set forth in the text for the embodiments in which the feature or features are described. Said differently, subsequent disclosures of the present application are built upon the foundation of earlier disclosures unless the context indicates otherwise. The disclosure is therefore understood to teach a person of ordinary skill in the art the disclosed embodiments and the features of the disclosed embodiments without having to repeat similar components and features in all embodiments since a skilled artisan would not disregard similar structural features having just read about them in several preceding paragraphs nor ignore knowledge gained from earlier descriptions set forth in the same specification. As such, the same or similar features shown in the following connector assemblies incorporate the teachings of earlier embodiments unless the context indicates otherwise. Therefore, it is contemplated that later disclosed embodiments enjoy the benefit of earlier expressly described embodiments, such as features and structures of earlier described embodiments, unless the context indicates otherwise. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an end view of the elongate cylinder section of a housing  120  and the retaining component  100  of the connector component or assembly of  FIG. 2 , in an end view, along with a pin  122 . In an example, the two spring lengths  124  define an inside clearance gap between them. The tip of the tapered insertion end  130  of the pin  122  ( FIG. 2 ) has a smaller dimension than the inside clearance gap defined by the two spring sections so that upon insertion of the pin, the tapered insertion end of the pin lifts the two canted coil spring sections, which is understood to mean a further canting of the coils of the two spring sections, to allow the pin to be fully inserted in through the ring  102  and into the bore of the housing  120  to complete the connection with the housing. As previously discussed, the two spring sections  124  are configured to snap into the two recessed channels  126  formed with the pin  122 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a close up end view of one of the spring sections  124  of  FIG. 3A  located on a finger  104  and the spring section  124  is situated in a slot  126  formed with the pin  122 . A clearance gap or annular space  136  is provided between the pin and the housing. The slot  126  is shown having two sidewalls  126   a ,  126   b , and a bottom wall  126   c  located therebetween. As shown, one of the two sidewalls of the slot is tapered  126   b  relative to the bottom wall  126   c  whereas the other sidewall  126   a  forms generally a right angle with the bottom wall  126   c.    
     In some examples, both sidewalls  126   a ,  126   b  can be tapered relative to the bottom wall  126   c  or both sidewalls  126   a ,  126   b  can be straight, such as having generally a right angle with the bottom wall  126   c . The tapered sidewall  126   b  can vary between 1 degree to 89 degrees with the bottom wall, with 89 degrees being almost perpendicular with the bottom wall and 1 degree being almost flat with the bottom wall, with about 25 degrees to 55 degrees being an acceptable or workable exemplary range. In some examples, the bottom wall  126   c  can be slanted or tapered. In still other examples, the channel can have a V-shape or a V-shape with a subtended surface between the two slanted surfaces of the V-shape. 
     In the connected position between the pin, housing, and retaining component shown in  FIG. 3B , the spring  124  is biased or compressed by at least two surfaces. For example, the spring section  124  is biased by the bottom wall  126   c  of the slot  126  and by an upper or outer finger section  118  of the retaining component  100 . When biased by the two surfaces, the coils are further deflected from the coils&#39; original canting position and further canted from a first canting angle to a second canting angle. As further discussed below, by selecting the appropriate recessed channel configuration, such as a whether to include a tapered sidewall, two vertical walls, a V-shape groove, etc., the pin  122  can be adapted to lock to the housing  120  and cannot be removed therefrom without destroying the spring sections or can be latched to the housing with the ability to be removed from the housing without destroying the spring sections. 
     In some examples, rather than biasing the coils against an outer finger section, the spring section is biased by an interior surface of the outer housing, such as when using the simple finger shape of  FIGS. 1B and 1C . 
       FIG. 3C  shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the connector of  FIG. 3A , which more clearly shows the coils of the spring section being compressed by at least two surfaces, such as the bottom wall of the channel and the interior surface of the housing or the outer finger section of the finger  104 . When so compressed, the canted coils of the spring section are further canted. In other words, the coils have a first canting position when not biased by the at least two surfaces. But when compressed by the at least two surfaces, the coils are further canted from the first canting position to a second canting position. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a pin  122  provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. A slot  126  can clearly be seen formed with the pin  122 . The slot or channel  126  can have sidewalls walls  126   a ,  126   b , a bottom wall  126   c  ( FIG. 3B ), and two end walls  126   d ,  126   e . In an example, there can be as many slots formed with the pin  122  as there are fingers formed with a retaining component  100 . In other examples, there can be more slots than there are fingers on the retaining component. 
     Thus, aspects of the present disclosure is understood to include a connector that can comprise one or multiple canted coil spring lengths each with two ends that are not connected with corresponding number of slot or slots made in the pin to accept the spring lengths upon connection of the pin to a housing. Each spring length can be mounted onto a finger of a retaining component, which has a body defining a ring that can be continuous or can have a gap. The pin can be locked from removal from the housing once inserted into the ring and the housing and the one or more spring lengths seated within the one or more slots on the pin. In other examples, the pin can be removed from the housing after the one or more spring lengths are seated within the one or more slots on the pin 
     With reference against to  FIGS. 3B, 3C and 4 , where the sidewalls  126   a ,  126   b  of a channel  126  are provided with only straight walls, the pin  122  can be locked to the housing  120  and cannot be removed therefrom. In other words, with only straight sidewalls utilized for the one or more slots or recessed channels, the spring lengths cannot further deflect by the straight sidewalls to cause the coils to further cant to enable the spring lengths to escape from the slots. More specifically, when the pin  122  is pulled in the axial direction in an attempt to move away from the housing  120 , the spring section  124  is constrained by the two sidewalls  126   a ,  126   b  and by the two end walls  126   c ,  126   d  of the recessed channel  126 . When the pin is rotated, clockwise or counter-clockwise, the vertical sidewalls will contact the spring section  124  near the major axes of the plurality of coils. However, since a radial canted coil spring cannot deflect when pushed at or near the major axes of the coils, the canted coil spring section cannot deflect and therefore cannot escape from the confinement of the recessed channel. 
     In the embodiment where the slot or recessed channel  126  is provided with at least one tapered sidewall, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the pin can first be rotated, such as rotated clockwise from the position of  FIG. 3B , around the lengthwise axis of the pin. Once rotated, the tapered sidewall  126   b  of the recessed channel pushes against the coils at a location away from the major axes of the coil to deflect the coils. The closer the tapered sidewall  126   b  is to the minor axes of the coils of the spring section, the lower the force is required to lift the coils or to further deflect the coils. Once the coils are defected by the rotation of the pin to move the tapered sidewall  126   b  into the coils to cant the coils, the height profile of the coils decreases to about the dimension of the clearance gap  136 . This then allows the pin  122  to be removed from the housing  120  as the further deflected coils provide clearance to enable movement away from the holding of the recessed channel  126 . The pin can then move axially away from the housing. 
     If there are two recessed channels  126  incorporated with the pin  122 , such as shown in  FIG. 3A , the slanted or tapered sidewalls of the two recessed channels should be arranged so that the same rotation of the pin moves both slanted sidewalls for the two recessed channels into contact with the corresponding spring sections to lift the coils to enable separation of the pin from the housing. The slanted sidewalls allow the pin to rotate the recessed channels radially away from the fingers  104  and away the spring sections  124 , which are held by the fingers of the retaining component  100 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative connector assembly  250  provided in accordance with further aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector assembly  250  of  FIG. 5  As shown, the connector assembly  250  comprises an elongated cylindrical housing  252 , a pin  254 , and a spring length  124 . The housing  252  has a bore and receives the pin  254  therein. In the present alternative embodiment, a retaining component is omitted. Further, a slot on the pin is omitted. Instead, the spring length  124  is held between the housing and the pin via friction. The spring length causes the pin to be held off-axis from the central axis of the housing. Also, the housing, the pin, or both the housing and the pin can serve as an electrical connector without a groove or a channel. Said differently, the electrical connector of  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a straight pin, a spring length rather than spring ring, and a straight housing. 
     In an example, the pin  254  can have a hollow core as shown in  FIG. 5  or alternatively can have a solid core or be solid throughout. The pin can have a tapered insertion end, similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 , to facilitate insertion of the pin into the bore of the housing. 
     In an example, the spring length  124  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  causes the pin  254  to seat eccentrically relative to the center of the housing  152 . Compared to a conventional canted coil spring based electrical connector that utilizes a canted coil spring in a garter or ring configuration, where two ends of a spring length are joined, the present connector assembly  250  can allow for a smaller overall connector package or profile since the spring length on only one side of the pin as opposed to being circumferentially around the pin requires less space thereby allowing for a design with a smaller overall profile. 
     In some examples, two or more spring sections, each in a spring length configuration, can be incorporated with the connector assembly but in unequally spaced configuration and still provide for an off-axis connection, which allows for a relatively smaller connector profile. For example, using a 0-360 degree scale, two spring sections can be mounted at 320 degrees and at 20 degrees or three spring sections can be mounted at 290 degrees, at 0 degree, and at 20 degrees and provide for an off-axis connection. 
     In an example, brackets, rings, or other surface features may be provided to retain the spring length within the housing so that the spring length does not dislodge from the housing upon insertion of the pin. When the pin is connected to the housing as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pin simultaneously contacts the spring along one side of the pin and against the interior of the housing on the opposite side of the pin to complete the communication between all three components. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , an alternative connector assembly  270  provided in accordance with further aspects of the present invention is shown. The connector assembly  270  can comprise a housing  272 , a pin  274 , and a spring length  124 , similar to other embodiments described elsewhere herein. In the present embodiment, only a single spring length  124  is shown with additional spring lengths contemplated. For example, a second spring length or a third spring length, or additional spring lengths, can be incorporated and placed in spaced apart relationship to the spring length shown inside the bore of the housing  272 . The spacing between the spring lengths can be equal or unequal around the interior of the housing. 
     The pin  274  can have a tapered insertion end and a solid core, as shown, or can have a hollow core. The pin, the housing, and the spring length or lengths can all be made from the same or different electrically conductive material to function as an electrical connector and optionally for EMI shielding. 
     The housing  272  of  FIG. 7  is shown with a recessed channel  278  formed on the interior surface  280  of the housing  272 . The housing has a wall  282  with a wall thickness. The recessed channel  278  can be formed in the wall thickness of the wall  282 , such as by machining the channel lengthwise parallel the axis of the bore of the housing. In other examples, the length of the recessed channel  278  can be angled and not parallel to the axis of the bore of the housing. This off-axis configured channel can require greater insertion and removal forces when inserting or retracting the pin from the housing. In some examples, there can be two or more recessed channels formed in the wall thickness of the housing. 
     As shown, the recessed channel has two sidewalls  278   a ,  278   b  and a bottom wall  278   c  located between the two sidewalls. The two sidewalls  278   a ,  278   b  are shown having an acute angle with the bottom wall  278   c . Such configured sidewalls for the indicated channel  278  can be referred to as a dovetail channel or groove. However, the groove, as used herein, is understood to be non-annular or not ring shape for accommodating a spring length rather than a spring ring. In other examples, the channel  278  has two sidewalls and a bottom wall with a generally U-shape, wherein the two sidewalls are generally parallel to one another. 
     The channel  278  has an entrance that is reduced by the two corner edges of the two tapered sidewalls  278   a ,  278   b , which is common in a dovetail groove. The reduced entrance is configured to prevent the spring length  124  from dislodging from the channel when the pin  274  is not disposed inside the bore. The channel  278  can have one end wall, which can be the surface where the cutting tool stops cutting into the wall thickness of the housing to form the channel. The channel can also include retention surfaces to prevent the spring length from displacing out of the channel upon retraction of the pin from the housing. In an example, the sidewall surfaces that contact the spring length can be the retention surfaces. In other examples, roughened knurls formed with the sidewalls  278   a ,  278   b  can serve as the retention surfaces. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative recessed channel  278  formed in the wall thickness of a housing  272  (shown schematically only) with an alternative spring length  124  are shown. The channel  278  has a generally rectangular shape bottom section  290  and a vertical section  292  generally resembling an upside-down T. The groove can be considered a T groove, which is not in an annular configuration. The T groove shaped channel  278  is sized and shaped to receive a matching alternative canted coil spring length  124  having a plurality of coils  294   a ,  294   b  that are all canted generally in the same direction. Additionally, the coils have been rotated so that a first sub-set of coils  294   a  are vertically positioned and a second sub-set of coils  294   b  are horizontally positioned, both relative to the bottom wall  290   a  of the bottom section  290 . The plurality of coils have a generally T-shape configuration and can readily fit inside the T-groove shaped channel  278 . The plurality of coils can alternate sequentially between vertical coils and horizontal coils in a 1 to 1 ratio or in different ratios, such as two vertical coils then one horizontal coil, three vertical coils then one horizontal coil, two vertical coils then two horizontal coils, etc. 
     Additional aspects of the coil length having the T-shape configuration of  FIG. 8  are described in co-pending publication No. US2017/0025779, entitled CANTED COIL SPRINGS, CONNECTORS, AND RELATED METHODS, filed Oct. 4, 2016, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The &#39;779 publication discloses a number of different complex canted coil spring shapes. These canted coil springs with complex coil shapes in a spring length configuration rather than a spring ring configuration can also be used with the connector assemblies of the present disclosure. For example, the triangular shaped coils of FIG. 37 and the three leaf clover shaped coils of FIG. 47 of the &#39;779 publication can be used with the T-groove shaped channel  278  of  FIG. 8  in the same way as the spring length of  FIG. 8  is used, possibly with some modification to the channel to ensure fit with the different coils. Indeed, any of the various canted coil springs disclosed in the &#39;779 publication in a spring length configuration can be used with the connector assemblies of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  show an alternative housing  300  for use in an electrical connector assembly. The present housing  300  serves the same purpose as other housings discussed elsewhere herein, such as the housing  120  of  FIGS. 2, 3A, 5, and 7 . However, in the present embodiment, the body  302  of the housing  300  is made by rolling a prepared metal sheet  298  into a rolled form to form an elongated cylinder with a bore  304  and a lengthwise gap  308 . The prepared metal sheet  298  is understood to be a metal sheet having cut-outs and edges for rolling to form the final housing structure, as further discussed below. The present housing  300  further includes a finger  306  having a free end  114  and a bent retaining tip  114   a . The finger  306  can be unitarily formed with the body  302  that forms the housing. 
     In an example, the body  302  is formed by first preparing a metal sheet having two end edges  322   a ,  322   b  and two side edges  322   c ,  322   d  ( FIG. 9C ). An extension piece  326  extends from one of the side edges  322   c ,  322   d  and an elongated piece  328  extends from the extension piece  326 . In an example, the extension piece  326  has a length that extends about 0.05 to 0.40 time the length of the housing measuring between the two end edges  322   a ,  322   b . The elongated piece  328  has a length that can be shorter than, equal to, or longer than the length of the housing measuring between the two end edges  322   a ,  322   b . As shown, the length of the elongated piece  328 , connected to the extension piece  326 , is longer than the length of the housing. However, when the retaining tip  114  is formed by bending the elongated piece  328 , the final length of the finger  306  can be about the same as the length of the housing, as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
     Further as shown, the bent retaining tip  114   a  can be rotated so that the end most point of the retaining tip projects towards one of the side edges  322   a  or  322   b  and not radially outwardly beyond the outer perimeter of the housing and stick out beyond the outer contour of the housing, which can possibly interfere with installation or assembly of the housing. However, the end most point of the retaining tip  114   a  can be rotated differently than as shown. 
     The elongated piece  328 , or the finger  306  formed by the elongated piece, has two side edges  328   a ,  328   b  that are spaced from adjacent edges of the body  302 . For example, the two side edges  328   a ,  328   b  of the unitarily formed finger  306  are spaced from the two side edges  322   a ,  322   b  of the housing  300 . The gaps between the finger and the two side edges  322   a ,  322   b  of the housing can be selected based on the size of a canted coil spring length for use with the housing. 
     Thus, aspects of the present embodiment is understood to include a housing  300  formed by rolling a metal sheet and having a unitarily formed finger  306 . The housing can have two end edges  322   a ,  322   b  and two side edges  322   c ,  322   d . The finger  306  can also have two edges  328   a    328   b  and wherein the two edges of the finger  306  are spaced from the two side edges  322   c ,  322   d  of the housing. 
     In use, a canted coil spring length can be mounted onto the finger  306  and a pin, such as one of the pins disclosed elsewhere herein, can be inserted into the bore  304  of the housing  300  to complete the electrical connection. 
     In some examples, as shown in  FIG. 9E , a second unitarily formed finger can be incorporated with the housing  300 . For example and in addition to the finger  306  and extended piece  326  shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D , a connecting piece  334  and an elongated piece  328  can be included by forming two cut-outs  336  in the prepared metal sheet  298 , which defines an elongated piece  328  extending from the connecting piece  334 . The elongated piece  328  can serve as the second unitarily formed finger  306  of the alternative housing. 
       FIG. 10A  shows an electrical connector assembly  350  provided in accordance with further aspects of the prevention invention, shown with a housing  120 , a pin  122 , a retaining component  100 , and a canted coil spring section  124 . The pin  122  is in the process of either being inserted into the bore of the housing  120  or being removed from the bore of the housing.  FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the pin  122 , the retaining component  100  and the spring section  124  of  FIG. 10A , shown without the housing.  FIG. 10C  is a cross-sectional end view of the pin  122  shown with the ring  102  of the retaining component  100  mounted around the pin and the spring section  124  mounted on a finger  104  of the retaining component and in contact with the exterior of the pin. 
     The present connector assembly  350  is similar to the connector assembly of  FIGS. 5 and 6  with a few exceptions. The pin  122  of the present embodiment has a solid core but can otherwise have a hollow core as shown in  FIG. 5 . Further, rather than mounting the retaining component  100  to the housing  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , the retaining component of the present embodiment is pin mounted. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 10B , prior to insertion of the pin into the housing, the retaining component  100  is mounted on the pin such that the ring  102  surrounds the pin and the spring length  124 , located on the finger  104  of the retaining component, is in contact with the pin. The ring  102  can have a friction fit or a slight interference fit with the pin. The pin  122  with the retaining component  100  and the spring section  124  can now be inserted into the bore of the housing  120  ( FIG. 10A ) to complete the electrical connection. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 11 , another alternative electrical connector assembly  360  in accordance with further aspects of the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, a retaining component  100 , which can be similar to one of the components of  FIGS. 1A-1C , is secured to a hardware  362 , which can be any number of components such as a chassis, a frame, two circuit boards, a mother board, etc. For example, the ring  102  of the retaining component  100  can have two fastener holes for use with fasteners to secure the retaining component to the hardware  362 . One or more fingers  104 , such as the fingers  104  of  FIG. 1A , can extend from the ring and into the gap between the two sections of the hardware. The hardware  362  therefore can function as a housing by holding the retaining component  100  that can receive a pin. 
     When a pin is inserted into the central opening of the ring  102 , electrical connection can be made between the hardware and the pin via the two spring sections  124  and the retaining element  100 . For example, a power source or a controller, or a circuit board connected to the pin can be placed in electrical communication with the hardware  362  by placing the pin into the opening  110  of the retaining component  100  to bias the two canted coil spring sections  124  between the exterior surface of the and the respective outer finger section of each finger  104 . In some examples, only a single finger and a single spring section are incorporated. In other examples, more than two fingers  104  and more than two spring sections  124  can be incorporated. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 12 , another alternative electrical connector assembly  370  provided in accordance with further aspects of the prevention invention is shown. The present connector assembly  370  has a housing  372 , a pin  374 , and two canted coil spring sections or lengths  124 . Optionally, there can be one canted coil spring section  124  or more than two canted coil spring sections  124  that can be used with the present connector. Further, while a retaining component is not shown, a retaining component comprising a ring and one or more fingers can be incorporated with the present connector assembly  370  for receiving one or more canted coil spring sections or lengths. 
     The end view of the electrical connector assembly  370  of the present embodiment is similar to the connector assembly  200  of  FIG. 3A  in that both connector assemblies have the same components. The present electrical connector assembly  370 , however, is not circular. Instead, the housing  372  and the pin  374  are both polygonal in shape. As shown, the housing  372  is generally square in shape but can be rectangular. The pin  374  can have a shape that matches the shape of the housing but can differ as the clearance gap  378  between the interior of the housing and the exterior of the pin allows for some variation in the shape of the pin. Both the housing and the pin can also have an elliptical shape or other multi-sided shapes. The pin  374  can have a tapered insertion end to facilitate inserting the pin into the bore of the housing  372 . 
     In an example, the pin  375  can incorporate recessed channels or slots for retaining the spring lengths  124 . In another example, the housing can incorporate recessed channels for retaining the spring lengths  124 . In still other examples, a retaining component having a ring and two fingers for retaining the two spring lengths  124  can be incorporated. The ring can have a polygonal shape. The ring can have a matching shape as the housing to seat against the interior of the housing or can have a matching shape as the pin to seat around the exterior surface of the pin. 
     The present connector assemblies allow for a smaller overall profile compared to prior art connectors with a standard canted coil spring ring connector having the same spring coil size by not utilizing the spring in a spring ring configuration. Further, since a single spring coil height can be used instead of a spring ring coil height being required circumferentially in a standard canted coil spring connector, the utilization of the spring length, with two free ends that are not connected, helps to maintain a relatively smaller profile. 
     Methods of using the connector assemblies and components thereof described herein and of making the connector assemblies and components thereof are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Although limited embodiments of the electrical 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 housings may incorporate recessed channels in which the axis of the channels are angled from the lengthwise axis of the housing, the various pins may incorporate recessed channels in which in which the axis of the channels are angled from the lengthwise axis of the pin, etc. Furthermore, it is understood and contemplated that features specifically discussed for one connector assembly embodiment may be adopted for inclusion with another connector assembly embodiment, provided the functions are compatible. For example, a retaining component with a split ring may be used in another embodiment shown with a retaining component. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the electrical connector assemblies and their components constructed according to principles of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods may be embodied other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure is also defined in the following claims.