One of the many benefits of choosing Click-Loc® Self-Locking Technology is that it features a system of beam springs and detents vs. a compression spring and ratcheting mechanism.
What does that mean to you? Why does the difference between beam springs and compression springs matter so much?
Benefits of Beam Springs vs. Compression Springs
Beam springs are designed to deflect without fatigue while applying a load to a diametrical detent pattern. Coil and wave springs are compression springs designed to exert an axial load on ratcheting teeth.
In order to understand the benefits of beam springs vs. compression springs, consider how each is designed.
- Beam springs are linear. They have a fulcrum point and beam end where the fulcrum point is stationary, and the beam end is moved back and forth to apply force on a cam pattern.
- Wave and coil compression springs are made of wire that compresses to impart a load. More axial space is required to allow for the compression.
The main advantages of the beam spring/detent design over ratcheting designs are as follows:
- Beam/detent designs cannot be over-torqued.
- Several beam springs interacting with detents offers redundancy whereas the compression spring design is a potential single point of failure.
- There is no vulnerability to contamination that routinely requires maintenance (de-gunking) for the ratcheting secondary retention system to function correctly.
To learn more about Click-Loc® Self-Locking Technology or to request a quote for a customized solution, send our engineering team a message through our website.