Branch Connector Shorting Plate Layout for Shorter Stub Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing branch connector structure has a long stub length due to the interposition of a circuit board and connection pins, which also requires additional space for the conductor pattern, leading to enlarged circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A branch connector design featuring a pair of terminal fittings fixed at intermediate positions of a conductive path, a terminal holding member, and a plate-like shorting member connected to the terminal fittings, allowing for daisy chain connection and miniaturization by eliminating the need for intermediate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circuit board and connection pins are used to connect main lines and branch lines, then the connection is reliable, but the stub length becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the circuit board and connection pins from the connector structure. By directly connecting terminal fittings to the conductive path without intermediate components, the stub length is significantly reduced while maintaining connection reliability through direct metal-to-metal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar circuit board layout to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement where terminal fittings are vertically positioned along the conductive path. This dimensional change allows direct connection without requiring a circuit board plane, thereby reducing stub length.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a circuit board with conductor pattern is used, then the connection structure is stable, but the circuit board size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the circuit board from the connector structure. Terminal fittings are directly mounted on the conductive path, eliminating the need for a circuit board and its conductor patterns, thereby reducing the overall area while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the circuit board and terminal connections into a single integrated structure. The terminal holding member and terminal fittings are directly positioned on the conductive path, combining support and electrical connection functions without requiring a separate circuit board.
3Volume of moving object
If terminal fittings are directly connected to conductive path, then miniaturization is achieved, but contact stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates resilient contact pieces that can elastically deform to compensate for dimensional tolerances and assembly variations. This beforehand cushioning ensures stable contact is maintained even with direct connection, preventing contact instability that might arise from miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the contact interface parameters by using resilient contact pieces with specific elastic properties. These contact pieces can deform within a certain range to accommodate dimensional variations, maintaining stable electrical contact while enabling compact connector design.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to shorten a stub length and realize miniaturization. A branch connector (10) includes a pair of terminal fittings (30), a terminal holding member (12) and a shorting member (46). The pair of terminal fittings 30 are fixed to a divided portion (52) at an intermediate position of a conductive path (51A, 51B). The terminal holding member (12) accommodates the pair of terminal fittings (30). The shorting member (46) is disposed along an outer surface of the terminal holding member (12) and connected to the pair of terminal fittings (30). A branch-side terminal (63) is connectable to the terminal fitting (30).