26-Terminal Connector Layout for Compact High-Current Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in arranging multiple terminals of a connector in a way that minimizes its volume while meeting the performance needs of large-scale devices requiring high power and high current transmission.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a housing containing 26 terminals, including first, second, and third terminals, is optimized by arranging their projections to minimize the diameter of the cross-sectional circumcircle, using a positioning plate with symmetrically distributed holes and guards/partitions to ensure alignment and protection, and incorporating a mounting member for integration on a single mounting plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If more terminals are added to meet high power and high current transmission needs, then the connector volume increases, but the integration density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminalsVSAvoidconnector volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional linear or planar terminal arrangements to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. Terminals are distributed in multiple layers and angular positions around a central axis, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to pack more terminals into a compact cylindrical volume, thereby increasing integration density without proportionally increasing overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a nested structure where terminals are arranged concentrically around a central axis, with inner terminals positioned closer to the center and outer terminals arranged in surrounding layers. This nested configuration allows multiple terminals to occupy overlapping projection areas when viewed from certain angles, maximizing the number of terminals that can be integrated within the connector housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If terminals are arranged to minimize connector volume, then integration density improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector volumeVSAvoidterminal arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal assembly is divided into multiple independent terminal units, each with standardized connection interfaces. These modular terminals can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the housing in the optimized three-dimensional configuration, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by decoupling terminal production from connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates standardized terminal structures and connection interfaces that can accommodate different terminal types and configurations. This universal design allows the same basic connector housing and terminal arrangement framework to be used across multiple product variants, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the complex spatial optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4354670B1connector
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP4354670B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4354670B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4354670B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a connector including a housing and provided with therein: at least one first terminal configured to transmit a first current; at least one second terminal configured to transmit a second current; and at least one third terminal configured to transmit a signal; wherein, a total number of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal is 26, and projections of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal in a cross section of the housing is arranged to minimize a diameter of a circumcircle of the cross section.