Busbar Terminal Plug-in Structure for Corrosion Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and inefficiency of connecting aluminum busbars to copper terminals due to electrochemical corrosion and complex welding processes, and the need for a stable and cost-effective plug-in structure in motor vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in structure for busbars and terminals using a transition layer to reduce electrochemical reactions, multiple laminated terminal connections with deformable arms, and a tellurium-copper alloy for improved conductivity and elasticity, along with a plating layer for enhanced corrosion resistance and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aluminum busbar is directly connected to copper terminal through friction welding or ultrasonic welding, then electrochemical corrosion is reduced, but the process complexity and processing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transition layer made of aluminum alloy as an intermediary between the aluminum busbar and copper terminal. This transition layer has intermediate electrochemical potential between aluminum and copper, reducing the potential difference and preventing galvanic corrosion. The transition layer is connected to the aluminum busbar through friction welding and to the copper terminal through ultrasonic welding, thereby reducing the complexity of direct welding between dissimilar metals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If copper terminal is used to connect aluminum busbar, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection structure into three parts: aluminum busbar, aluminum alloy transition layer, and copper terminal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using materials appropriately. The aluminum alloy transition layer uses less expensive aluminum-based material instead of requiring the entire connection to be copper, thereby reducing material cost while maintaining electrical conductivity through the optimized transition layer design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If friction welding or ultrasonic welding is used to connect aluminum busbar and copper terminal, then connection strength is improved, but the processing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the transition layer with friction welding to the aluminum busbar before final assembly with the copper terminal via ultrasonic welding. This staged approach allows each welding operation to be optimized and performed under ideal conditions, reducing rework and improving overall processing efficiency. The transition layer is prepared in advance with proper geometry and surface treatment, making the subsequent ultrasonic welding faster and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables safe, fast, and cost-effective plugging and unplugging of busbars to terminals, ensuring stable electrical connections with reduced corrosion and temperature rise, while optimizing material usage and processability.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the large potential difference between copper and aluminum, electrochemical corrosion is prone to occur

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical corrosion: Crevice Corrosion

Implementation Method 2

The plug-in terminal of the present disclosure adopts a plating layer, which can better increase anti-corrosion performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 3

A gap is arranged between the overhanging arms of the present disclosure to dissipate heat through the gap, so as to control the temperature rise between the busbar and the plug-in terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 4

The plug-in terminal of the present disclosure adopts tellurium-copper alloy, so that the terminal has good conductive performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4391242B1Plug-in structure of busbar and terminal, and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 CHANGCHUN JETTY AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CORPORATION
  • EP4391242B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4391242B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP4391242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a plug-in structure of a busbar and a terminal, and a motor vehicle, relating to the technical field of electrical connection elements. The plug-in structure of the busbar and the terminal includes: a busbar and a plug-in terminal, the busbar is provided with a plug-in portion; the plug-in terminal includes at least one terminal lamination; the terminal lamination includes a plug-in end, and a connection end for being connected to a cable, and the plug-in portion is constructed to be in plug-in fit with the plug-in end. According to the present disclosure, the technical problem that the busbar can only be connected to other terminals or electrical devices through copper terminals is solved.