Bulb Socket Terminal Clamp Deformation Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bulb sockets require a separate spacer component to regulate excessive deformation of terminal clamps, increasing the number of components and the size of the socket and lighting device.

Innovation Solution

A bulb socket design with integrated regulation portions on the socket body to abut and control the elastic deformation of terminal clamps, eliminating the need for a separate spacer and reducing the overall size of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate spacer component is used to regulate excessive deformation of terminal clamps, then the deformation can be controlled, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation controlVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation function previously performed by a separate spacer component is merged into the terminal clamp structure itself. The terminal clamp now includes both the clamping function and the regulation function through integrated structural features that limit excessive deformation without requiring an additional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate spacer component is used to regulate excessive deformation of terminal clamps, then the deformation can be controlled, but the size of the socket increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation controlVSAvoidsocket size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation function previously performed by a separate spacer component is merged into the terminal clamp structure itself. The terminal clamp now includes both the clamping function and the regulation function through integrated structural features that limit excessive deformation without requiring an additional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a spacer projects from the socket to regulate deformation, then the deformation can be controlled, but the overall size of the bulb socket and lighting device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation controlVSAvoidbulb socket size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation function previously performed by a separate spacer component is merged into the terminal clamp structure itself. The terminal clamp now includes both the clamping function and the regulation function through integrated structural features that limit excessive deformation without requiring an additional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design inhibits excessive deformation of terminal clamps, reduces the number of components, and downsizes the bulb socket, while maintaining reliable electrical contact and preventing bulb loosening or removal, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the lighting device.

Implementation Method 1

each of the pair of terminal portions includes a spring portion arranged to exert a pushing force in a direction of sandwiching the base portion of the bulb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the socket body is provided with a pair of regulation portions arranged opposed to the terminal portions, respectively, and arranged to abut on the terminal portions from opposite side of the base portion to regulate elastic deformation amount of the spring portions to be within a predetermined value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation regulation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9331403B2Bulb socket and lighting device

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A pair of terminal portions of a bus bar (i.e. a terminal clamp) includes spring portions each of which is arranged to exert a pushing force in a direction of sandwiching a base portion of a bulb, and contact portions each provided at a tip portion of the spring portion. A housing (i.e. a socket body) includes regulation portions located on opposite side of the terminal portions and arranged to abut on the terminal portions from opposite side of the base portion to regulate elastic deformation amount of the spring portions to be within a predetermined value.