Electrical connector for connecting to flat conductors of a flexible printed circuit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for connecting to flat conductors of a flexible circuit. The electrical connector includes an elongated body, a split blade terminal, and a spring terminal. The elongated body has a longitudinal axis. The split blade terminal has two prongs separated by a distance and is configured to engage an electrical terminal of an electrical device. The spring terminal is configured to mate with one or more flat conductors within a connection area of the flexible circuit. The spring terminal and the split blade terminal are positioned on the longitudinal axis at opposite ends of the electrical connector.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 956,903, filed January 3, 2020. The disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to flexible circuits, and more specifically, to electrical connectors for connecting to flat conductors of flexible circuits. Background Technology

[0004] Flat, flexible circuits (FCs) offer a lighter and cheaper alternative to traditional wiring harnesses for interconnecting vehicle circuits. These FCs can consist of flat conductors protected by an insulator. Conventional methods for establishing electrical connections between devices and flexible circuits include mechanically crimping, soldering, brazing, or stitching the device terminals to the flexible circuit. While such methods establish effective electrical connections, they require discrete guides that are either individually terminated or spliced ​​together. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document describes an electrical connector for connecting to a flat conductor in a flexible circuit. These technologies include an electrical connector having an elongated body between split terminals and spring-loaded terminals. The split terminals have two forked teeth spaced apart and are configured to engage with electrical terminals of an electrical device. The spring-loaded terminals are configured to mate with one or more flat conductors within the connection area of ​​the flexible circuit.

[0006] In other aspects, a system includes a housing surrounding a portion of a flexible circuit. The system also includes a plurality of flat conductors of the flexible circuit having exposed sections at connection areas of the flexible circuit positioned within the housing. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of electrical connectors supported within the housing. Each of the plurality of electrical connectors has a spring-loaded terminal at a first end and a segmented terminal at a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis. One or more of the spring-loaded terminals abut against the exposed sections of one or more flat conductors based on compressive force. Furthermore, the segmented terminal has two forked teeth spaced apart and configured to engage with electrical terminals of an electrical device.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a simplified concept of an electrical connector for connecting to a flat conductor in a flexible circuit, which will be further described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings below. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0008] This document describes in detail one or more aspects of an electrical connector for connecting to a flat conductor in a flexible circuit, with reference to the following figures. The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to refer to the same features and components:

[0009] Figure 1 An exploded view of an example system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein an electrical connector for connecting to a flat conductor of a flexible circuit is implemented.

[0010] Figure 2 Some embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 A top-view perspective of a part of the system;

[0011] Figure 3 The image shown is taken along section line 3-3 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 A front sectional view of a part of the system;

[0012] Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 A front view of different example embodiments of an electrical connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 A bottom plan view of an electrical connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 The image shown is taken along section line 6-6 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector;

[0015] Figure 7-1 and 7-2 A perspective view of an electrical connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 8 A top front perspective view of an example embodiment of an electrical connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 9 The following are some embodiments of the present disclosure showing connections to a flexible circuit. Figure 8 Example implementation of a spring-type terminal;

[0018] Figure 10 A top front perspective view of an example system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, in which implementation is possible. Figure 8 Electrical connectors for connection to flexible circuits;

[0019] Figure 11 A top front perspective view of an example connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, in which it is possible to useFigure 8 Electrical connectors for connection to flexible circuits; and

[0020] Figure 12 The section taken along section line 12-12 is shown. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the connector in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following describes details of one or more aspects of an electrical connector for connecting to a flat conductor in a flexible circuit. While this document primarily discusses and illustrates flexible printed circuits (FPCs), it should be understood that this disclosure is directed to any type of flexible circuit. For example, any suitable deposition process can be used to apply conductive circuit traces or “flat conductors” to a flexible circuit, including but not limited to deposition processes (physical / chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, etc.) and printing processes (screen printing, photolithography, inkjet printing, etc.). Automobiles may include numerous flexible circuits connected to various types of vehicle circuitry, such as lighting systems, air conditioning control systems, automatic or auxiliary drive systems, sensor systems, electric drive systems, engine control systems, and any other electrical components connected to flexible circuitry within the vehicle. These flexible circuits comprise flat conductors made of aluminum or tin-plated copper. The flat conductors are protected by an insulator formed around them.

[0022] The insulator exposes flat conductors at specific connection areas of the flexible circuit. These connection areas are shaped to accommodate electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are seated on the connection areas of the flexible circuit, and the connector terminals of the connectors are connected to the vehicle circuitry via one or more flat conductors of the flexible circuit. Maintaining a physical connection sufficient to carry current can be challenging in the presence of vibration, misalignment, and / or debris.

[0023] An electrical connector for connecting to a flat conductor of a flexible circuit is described. The connector includes a spring-loaded terminal positioned at a first end of an elongated body. The spring-loaded terminal is configured to engage with the flat conductor of the flexible circuit based on compressive force along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The spring-loaded terminal may have a bifurcated contact portion to improve electrical performance when contaminants are present in the contact area between the spring-loaded terminal and the flat conductor. The spring-loaded terminal may also include one or more protrusions or recesses on the surface adjacent to the flat conductor to improve physical connection at the contact area. In some aspects, the spring-loaded terminal has a generally elongated oval shape that bends in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The spring-loaded terminal may also flex upwards relative to the longitudinal axis in one or more of the roll, pitch, and yaw directions. When engaging with the flexible circuit at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the spring-loaded terminal also facilitates contact wiping.

[0024] The electrical connector's structure allows for multiple degrees of freedom of bending, which improves alignment and reduces the adverse effects of vibration. The spring-loaded terminal structure facilitates strong pressure contact between the spring-loaded terminal and the flexible circuit, and also compensates for fretting of the flexible circuit or slack in the housing pressing the flexible circuit against the spring-loaded terminal. Furthermore, the connector's structure facilitates automation. This connector can be used in multi-branch devices with multiple connectors that can be connected to any location on the flexible circuit with exposed flat conductors.

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded view of an example system 100 is shown, which enables an electrical connector for connection to a flat conductor in a flexible circuit. System 100 includes a first housing portion 102 and a second housing portion 104, which are removably connected to each other to form an assembled housing. In various aspects, the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 are connected to each other on opposite sides of a wire 106, such that a portion of the wire 106 is positioned within the assembled housing of system 100. The first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 may include any suitable fastener system to secure the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 to each other, such as snap-fit ​​features (e.g., mating hooks and protrusions).

[0026] Wiring 106 is shown as a substantially flat wire, such as a flexible circuit having a plurality of flat conductors 108 exposed at contact areas to enable physical contact with one or more electrical connectors 110. Electrical connectors 110 provide electrical continuity between wiring 106 and electrical components (not shown). The contact portions of electrical connectors 110 may have an arcuate shape, which will be described in further detail below. Wiring 106 (e.g., a flexible circuit) includes one or more substantially flat wires (e.g., flat conductors 108) that are generally rectangular and wrapped in a non-conductive, flexible plastic insulator to provide a cross-sectional aspect ratio of at least 2:1 relative to width and height. As used herein, “generally rectangular” includes any shape having a width greater than its cross-sectional height and may include rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, ovals, oblongs, and ellipses. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio may be at least 3:1. In other embodiments, the aspect ratio may be at least 5:1. The flat conductors 108 may be provided from an unstranded conductive material, such as tin-plated flat copper wire. Adjacent wires may be interconnected with insulating material forming a strip that provides structural integrity for wiring 106 during operational processing.

[0027] System 100 also includes one or more seals, such as seals 112 and 114, which are supported by the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104, respectively, and are arranged on opposite sides of wiring 106 to provide weather protection.

[0028] The second housing portion 104 includes and encloses the sensor 116. The sensor 116 may include any suitable sensor, including an ultrasonic distance sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, voltage sensor, current sensor, camera, radar sensor, or other electronic sensor. Thus, the sensor 116 is integrated into the system 100 and forms part of the housing. The housing of the system 100 may differ from the depicted configuration, particularly the second housing portion 104, which may be integrated with electrical components such as lighting equipment, the sensor 116, or other electrical devices.

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A top front perspective view 200 of a portion of system 100. This view 200 shows an electrical connector 110 adjacent to a flat conductor 108 of wiring 106 supported by a first housing portion 102. As described in further detail below, the electrical connector 110 includes a split terminal (forked blade terminal) 202 at one end and a spring-loaded terminal 204 at the opposite end.

[0030] Figure 3 The section cut along section line 3-3 is shown. Figure 2 The system is partially viewed in a front sectional view 300. The electrical connector 110 includes an elongated body 302 having a longitudinal axis 304. The elongated body 302 has first and second opposing ends along the longitudinal axis 304. At the first end, the electrical connector 110 includes a segmented terminal, such as a segmented terminal 202 (shaped like a tuning fork). The segmented terminal 202 has two fork teeth 306 configured to engage with electrical terminals of an electrical component or device. In the example, the segmented terminal 202 may extrude a flat blade terminal or a pin-shaped terminal of the electrical component or device.

[0031] At the second end, the electrical connector 110 includes a spring-loaded terminal, such as spring-loaded terminal 204. Spring-loaded terminal 204 is a leaf spring and may have a substantially oval or kinematic shape. The shape of spring-loaded terminal 204 provides longitudinal bending along the longitudinal axis 304 upon contact with wiring 106 based on compressive force along the longitudinal axis 304 between the electrical connector 110 and the first housing portion 102. The substantially oval or kinematic shape of spring-loaded terminal 204 also includes a flat conductor 108 for contacting wiring 106. Figure 1The contact surface 308 may have a substantially planar portion that provides a contact area rather than a contact point for contacting the flat conductor 108.

[0032] Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 Front views 400 and 450 are shown respectively of different example embodiments of the electrical connector 110. Figure 4-1 In this design, the spring-type terminal 204 is shown as having a generally oblong shape with semicircles of different dimensions on opposite sides. Alternatively, the semicircles may have substantially the same dimensions. The spring-type terminal 204 may be formed from a bent, flat sheet of metal. The spring-type terminal 204 may include an end 402 of the elongated body 302 adjacent to the beginning portion 404 of the spring-type terminal 204. In all respects, the end 402 is not adhered to the elongated body 302 or the beginning portion 404 of the spring-type terminal 204. Instead, when the spring-type terminal 204 is compressed against the wire 106 along the longitudinal axis 304 (e.g., in the y-direction), the end 402 is allowed to move or displace based on the translational and / or rotational movements of the spring-type terminal 204. By not adhering the end 402 of the spring-type terminal 204 to the elongated body 302 or the beginning portion 404 of the spring, some of the torsion caused by angular forces on the surface 308 of the spring-type terminal 204 is reduced.

[0033] Translational movement of the end portion 402 of the spring terminal 204 can occur in the y-direction due to longitudinal compressive force. Rotational movement (e.g., rolling, pitching, or deflection) of the end portion 402 of the spring terminal 204 can occur based on the spring terminal 204 being pressed against an uneven surface, such as a surface containing debris, such as dust particles, sand or dirt, one or more pieces of wire insulation, metal shavings, plastic, or any other object not intended between the spring terminal 204 and the wiring 106, or between the wiring 106 and the first housing portion 102 (e.g., on the opposite side of the wiring 106 of the spring terminal 204). Translational and / or rotational movement of the end portion 402 of the spring terminal 204 can also occur based on the contact surface 308 of the spring terminal 204 pressing against a surface such as surface 406, which forms an acute angle 410 with respect to the plane 412 defined by the contact surface 308 of the spring terminal 204. This acute angle can also be defined relative to the longitudinal axis 304 of the electrical connector 110, such as an acute angle 414 formed between the plane 408 of surface 406 and the longitudinal axis 304 of the electrical connector 110. Any suitable acute angle can be used to facilitate contact wiping when the spring-loaded terminal 204 is pressed against surface 406. Example acute angles between planes 412 and 408 can include any angle ranging from 5 degrees to 20 degrees.

[0034] The elongated body 302 of the electrical connector 110 also includes one or more bends and / or notches to provide additional movement with multiple degrees of freedom. For example, the electrical connector 110 includes a bend 416 near the longitudinal midpoint of the elongated body 302 (within a predetermined distance). The bend 416 allows the upper portion 418 of the electrical connector 110 to rotate approximately 90 degrees relative to the lower portion 420 of the electrical connector about the longitudinal axis 304.

[0035] Because the electrical connector 110 is formed from a flat metal strip, the lower portion 420 can be bent about the z-axis, while the upper portion 418 can be bent about the x-axis. This flexibility allows for better alignment than conventional rigid connectors. Additionally, the elongated body 302 may include one or more notches, such as notch 422, which allow for additional rotational movement of the upper portion 418 relative to the lower portion 420 about the z-axis. The notch can also be used to receive... Figure 1 The system 100 has protrusions on its housing (not shown) to secure the electrical connector 110 within the housing. These notches and bends, combined with the thin profile of the elongated body 302, also dampen vibrations at the terminal ends of the electrical connector 110, such as at the spring-loaded terminal 204 and the split terminal 202. Damped vibrations at the terminal ends reduce the risk of the electrical connector 110 disconnecting from the electrical contacts or from the flat conductor 108. The flexibility of the electrical connector 110 also improves alignment compared to conventional rigid connectors, as it can bend in various directions to accommodate slight misalignments.

[0036] As described above, the segmented terminal 202 has two forked teeth 306. The forked teeth 306 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance 424, such that when the segmented terminal 202 is connected to an electrical contact such as a flat blade terminal (e.g., a 0.8 mm blade) or a pin terminal (e.g., a 0.64 mm pin), the forked teeth 306 clamp the electrical contact to provide a physical connection for electrical continuity. The segmented terminal 202 can also mate with other types of electrical contacts. Therefore, the segmented terminal 202 can be used as a multi-purpose terminal, enabling it to engage with a variety of different types of terminals.

[0037] Figure 4-2 An alternative embodiment of the electrical connector 110 is shown in view 450. Here, the spring-loaded terminal 204 has an L-shaped form. This L-shaped embodiment provides similar flexibility as described above and can reduce the amount of material used to produce the electrical connector 110. Any suitable shape can be used for the spring-loaded terminal 204, which includes a portion having a substantially flat surface with a flat conductor 108 for contacting the flexible circuitry and a spring portion providing flexibility in one or more degrees of freedom.

[0038] Figure 5A bottom plan view 500 of the spring-loaded terminal 204 is shown. The contact surface 308 of the spring-loaded terminal 204 may include bifurcated contacts 502 separated by a predetermined distance 504. The bifurcated contacts 502 are configured to engage with the flat conductor of the wiring 106. If debris prevents one of the bifurcated contacts 502 from contacting the wiring 106, the other bifurcated contact 502 can still provide a connection to the wiring 106.

[0039] Each of the bifurcated contact portions 502 includes an inner edge 508 and an outer edge 506 that help maintain contact with the wiring 106. The inner edge 508 is spaced apart by a predetermined distance 504 between the bifurcated contact portions 502.

[0040] One or both of the bifurcated contacts 502 may include one or more protrusions 510 (e.g., bumps, creases, knurling, ridges, serrations, etc.) configured to improve electrical connection with the wire 106 by increasing the surface area of ​​the contact surface 308. Additionally or alternatively, the bifurcated contacts 502 may include one or more recesses (e.g., notches, grooves, slots, channels, etc.) configured to improve electrical connection with the wire 106 by increasing the surface area of ​​the contact surface 308.

[0041] Figure 6 The section taken along section line 6-6 is shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view 600 of the spring-type terminal. In various aspects, the protrusions 510 on the contact surface of the spring-type terminal may have corresponding recesses 602 on the inner surface 604 of the spring-type terminal 204. These recesses 602 may be formed during the manufacturing process of the spring-type terminal 204, which involves stamping a metal strip on the inner surface 604 to form a protrusion on the contact surface 308, and then bending the metal strip to form the spring-type terminal 204.

[0042] Figure 7-1 and 7-2 Perspective views 700 and 710 of the electrical connector 110 are shown respectively. Figure 7-1 and 7-2 As shown, the electrical connector 110 includes an elongated body 302 having a spring-loaded terminal 204 at one end and a split terminal 202 at the opposite end. The spring-loaded terminal 204 is configured to engage with a flat conductor 108 of a flexible circuit. In various aspects, the spring-loaded terminal includes a bifurcated contact portion 502 having one or more protrusions 510 and / or recesses (not shown). The elongated body 302 includes one or more bends 416 and / or recesses 422 to provide flexibility with multiple degrees of freedom.

[0043] The electrical connector 110 can be manufactured using common methods of progressive metal forming. For example, rectangular metal strips can be stamped, cut, and bent to form the shape of the electrical connector 110. First, metal strips of appropriate size can be stamped or cut to create the space between the segmented terminals 202, the notches 422, the protrusions 510, and the bifurcated contacts 502. Then, the elongated body 302 can be bent to create the bends 416 and the spring-loaded terminals 204.

[0044] Figure 8 A top front perspective view 800 shows another example embodiment of the electrical connector 110. In this illustrated example, the electrical connector 110 includes a segmented terminal 202 at one end, the segmented terminal 202 having forks 306 configured to mate with blade terminals or pin terminals. At the opposite end, the electrical connector includes a spring-loaded terminal 204. In this example, the spring-loaded terminal 204 has an arcuate shape (e.g., a curved L-shape) and is configured to engage with flexible circuitry extending not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 802 of the electrical connector 110. Instead, in this example, the spring-loaded terminal 204 has a contact surface 804 located between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 802. In various aspects, the electrical connector 110 includes one or more bends (e.g., bend 806) such that the spring-loaded terminal 204 and the segmented terminal 202 rotate about 90 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis 802. The spring-loaded terminal 204 also includes protrusions, such as protrusion 808.

[0045] Figure 9 The connection to the flexible circuit is shown. Figure 8 An example embodiment of the spring-loaded terminal 204 is shown. View 900-1 shows the spring-loaded terminal 204 approaching the flat conductor 108 of the wiring 106 in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis 304 of the electrical connector 110. In View 900-2, the electrical connector 110 is pressed against the flat conductor 108 based on a longitudinal compressive force along the longitudinal axis 304 of the electrical connector 110. Since the contact angle is not perpendicular to the compressive force, the protrusion 808 can slide a short distance along the flat conductor 108. This slidable movement can wipe away any debris that may be on the flat conductor 108, thereby providing a clean surface for engagement with the spring-loaded terminal 204.

[0046] Figure 10 A top front perspective view 1000 of the example system is shown, in which the following can be achieved Figure 8The spring-loaded terminal 204 is used to connect to a flexible circuit. In the example shown, the housing 1002 accommodates a pair of electrical connectors 110 such that the spring-loaded terminal 204 of the electrical connector 110 can mate with the connection area 1004 of the wiring 106, which may be a flexible circuit. Here, the spring-loaded terminal 204 interacts with the flat conductor 108 exposed in the connection area 1004. Figure 1 )touch.

[0047] Figure 11 A top front perspective view 1100 of an example connector is shown, in which... Figure 8 The spring-loaded terminals can be used for connection with flexible circuitry. Here, housing 1002 is connected to retainer 1102 on the opposite side of wiring 106. Retainer 1102 presses wiring 106 against the spring-loaded terminals 204 of electrical connector 110 housed within housing 1002 and holds wiring 106 in place, maintaining contact with electrical connector 110.

[0048] Figure 12 The section taken along section line 12-12 is shown. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view 1200 of the connector is shown. In cross-sectional view 1200, spring-loaded terminals 204 contact wire 106 based on compressive force provided by housing 1002, and retainers 1102 are fastened together on opposite sides of wire 106. This compressive force is in the longitudinal direction of electrical connector 110. Housing 1002 includes openings to allow electrical components to mate with the segmented terminals 202 of electrical connector 110.

Claims

1. An electrical connector system, comprising: The housing surrounding the flexible circuit; The flexible circuit has a plurality of flat conductors, the plurality of flat conductors having exposed sections at the connection area of ​​the flexible circuit located within the housing; as well as A plurality of electrical connectors are supported within the housing, each having a spring-loaded terminal at a first end and a split-type terminal at a second end opposite the first end. One or more of the electrical connectors abut against an exposed section of one or more flat conductors based on compressive force. The split-type terminal has two forked teeth spaced apart and is configured to engage with electrical terminals of an electrical device. Among them, the spring-type terminal of the electrical connector in the plurality of electrical connectors includes a forked contact portion, which is adjacent to the exposed section of the flat conductor in the plurality of flat conductors.

2. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface of the bifurcated contact portion defines a plane that forms an acute angle with respect to the flexible circuit to facilitate contact wiping when the bifurcated contact portion engages with the flat conductor.

3. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bifurcated contact portion includes one or more recesses on the contact surface, the one or more recesses being configured to engage with the one or more flat conductors.

4. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring-type terminal has an approximately oval shape.

5. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring-type terminal has an arc shape.

6. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of electrical connectors has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, and the elongated body includes one or more bends or notches positioned between the spring-loaded terminal and the split terminal, the one or more bends or notches enabling bending in at least three degrees of freedom.

7. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring-loaded terminal is configured to engage with the one or more flat conductors within the connection region of the flexible circuit based on compressive force along the longitudinal axis.

8. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring-loaded terminal includes a contact surface configured to engage with one or more flat conductors of the flexible circuit, the contact surface defining a plane at an angle between the plane and the flat conductor in the range of 5 to 20 degrees.

9. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bifurcated contact portion defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrical connector.

10. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bifurcated contact portion defines a plane that forms an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the electrical connector.

11. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bifurcated contact portion of the spring-type terminal includes one or more protrusions disposed on the surface adjacent to the exposed portion of the one or more flat conductors.

12. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of electrical connectors has an elongated body between the first end and the second end, the elongated body being flexible in three degrees of freedom including deflection, pitch and roll.

13. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The system includes a portion of the vehicle's electrical system.

14. An electrical connector system, comprising: The housing surrounding the flexible circuit; The flexible circuit has a plurality of flat conductors, the plurality of flat conductors having exposed sections at the connection area of ​​the flexible circuit located within the housing; as well as A plurality of electrical connectors are supported within the housing, each having a spring-loaded terminal at a first end and a split-type terminal at a second end opposite the first end. One or more of the electrical connectors abut against an exposed section of one or more flat conductors based on compressive force. The split-type terminal has two forked teeth spaced apart and is configured to engage with electrical terminals of an electrical device. Each of the plurality of electrical connectors has an elongated body between the first end and the second end, the elongated body being flexible in three degrees of freedom including deflection, pitch and roll.

15. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The spring-loaded terminals of the plurality of electrical connectors include a forked contact portion adjacent to an exposed portion of the flat conductor of the plurality of flat conductors.

16. The electrical connector system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The system includes a portion of the vehicle's electrical system.

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