Board Connector Vertical Terminal Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board connectors for automobiles have inefficient terminal arrangement, leading to large size, void spaces, and undesirable conductor pattern balance on printed circuit boards due to grouping terminals by size, resulting in reduced terminal density and wiring availability.
Innovation Solution
The board connector arranges terminals of different sizes in parallel within a housing, forming blocks where thick terminals are on the upper side and thin terminals on the lower side, with both types bent to form L-shapes, allowing for increased terminal density and improved wiring availability by optimizing conductor pattern placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terminals of different sizes are grouped in the same horizontal level in the connector housing, then the connector can accommodate various terminal types, but void spaces increase and terminal density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement to vertical arrangement of terminals within the connector housing. Terminals are positioned at different heights (upper level and lower level) rather than all in the same horizontal plane, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to pack terminals more densely and reduce void spaces while maintaining compatibility with various terminal types.
2Device complexity
If terminals of different sizes are arranged in the same horizontal level, then the connector structure is simple, but the total size of the connector becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging terminals vertically at different heights rather than horizontally in the same level, the connector achieves more compact dimensions. The vertical stacking of terminal blocks reduces the horizontal footprint and overall connector volume while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized block configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If terminals of different sizes are arranged in the same horizontal level, then the connector housing is easily manufactured, but the arrangement balance of conductor pattern on PCB becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical arrangement of terminals at different heights enables better correspondence with PCB conductor patterns. Terminals of different sizes can be positioned to match the vertical distribution of conductor widths and routing requirements on the PCB, improving wiring availability while maintaining manufacturing ease through standardized vertical block structures.
4Reliability
If thick terminals are arranged in the connector, then power supply connections are established, but heat radiation becomes a concern
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning thick power supply terminals at the upper level with extended projection beyond the connector housing, the patent increases their exposed surface area for heat radiation. This vertical positioning and extended arrangement allows thick terminals to dissipate heat more effectively while maintaining reliable power supply connections.
Data Source
AI summary
In a board connector including: a connector housing; and at least two types of terminals having different sizes and held in the connector housing, such that said at least two types of terminals are arranged in parallel with one another in the connector housing and projects from a rear wall of the connector housing so as to be bent downwardly to form L-shape, wherein a plurality of block, each of which is formed by a group of said at least two types of terminals, are arranged in a horizontal direction, and said two types of terminals are divided in a vertical direction in accordance with the size of the terminals in each block.