Asymmetric Terminal Socket Geometry for Foolproof PCB Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a miniaturized terminal socket for electrical terminal systems that maintains foolproof insertion without additional polarizing features, while reducing size and improving contact resistance and dynamic load stability.
Innovation Solution
The terminal socket features a triangularly shaped external and internal structure, eliminating twofold rotational symmetry, which allows for self-centering and foolproof insertion without additional polarizing features, and includes three contact bulges for enhanced contact resistance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a terminal socket is miniaturized by removing additional polarizing features, then the size is reduced, but the foolproof insertion capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the terminal socket with a non-symmetric cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular with rounded corners, or D-shaped) that eliminates the need for additional polarizing features. The asymmetric geometry itself provides the polarizing function, allowing the socket to be inserted only in the correct orientation while minimizing the overall size of the terminal socket.
2Ease of manufacture
If the terminal socket uses a symmetric hollow space design, then manufacturing is simpler, but correct orientation guidance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow space within the terminal socket is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that matches the asymmetric external shape. This asymmetric internal geometry provides orientation guidance to the terminal pin during insertion while still being manufacturable using standard stamping and forming processes from sheet metal.
3Loss of substance
If the terminal socket has reduced material usage, then cost and weight decrease, but structural robustness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal socket is constructed from a stamped sheet metal blank that is formed into a three-dimensional structure with integrated features. The segmentation principle is applied by creating a modular design where the terminal socket body, contact elements, and polarizing features are integrated from a single piece of material, reducing overall material usage while maintaining structural integrity through optimized geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal socket for an electrical terminal system, in particular for a printed circuit board connector system, configured to be mated with a terminal pin along a mating direction (x), and comprising a wiring portion (3) and an electrical contacting portion (5), the electrical contacting portion (5) comprising a main body (19) with a hollow space (33) for receiving the mating terminal pin , characterized in that the main body (19) has an external shape not showing a twofold rotational symmetry in a plane (A) perpendicular to the mating direction (x), and in that the hollow space (33) does not show a twofold rotational symmetry in said plane (A), or in that the main body (19) has an external shape comprising a triangularly shaped portion, in particular triangularly shaped in a plane (A) perpendicular to the mating direction (x). The present invention further relates to a terminal pin comprising an electrical contacting portion for a mating terminal socket, as well as a terminal system, an assembly thereof, and a connector comprising the terminal sockets.