Clip Spring Connector for Positional Deviation Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in maintaining electrical connections due to positional deviations between connectors and mating terminals, leading to difficulties in connecting electrical devices like motors and inverters, and the use of braided wires increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a strip-like electrically conductive member with a clip spring and clip stopper that absorbs positional deviations, ensuring stable connection by resilient deformation and locking mechanisms, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment of mating terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional wiring harness is used to connect electrical devices, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the number of components increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the electrically conductive member, clip spring, and positioning features into a single unified component. The clip spring is formed as an integrated part of the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate fastening components while maintaining secure electrical connections between electrical devices
2Device complexity
If a direct connection structure with connector is used to reduce components, then the number of components is reduced and space is saved, but positional deviations between connectors cause connection difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The clip spring is pre-configured in the connector housing to automatically accommodate positional deviations. When the connector is inserted, the clip spring resiliently adjusts to absorb misalignment between connectors, ensuring smooth connection without requiring precise manual alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The clip spring changes its physical state from a compressed resilient state to an expanded state during insertion, allowing it to adapt to positional deviations. This dynamic parameter change enables the connector to tolerate misalignment while maintaining secure electrical contact
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clip spring is used to accommodate the electrically conductive member, then flexible connection is achieved, but the clip spring may escape from the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: the clip spring accommodation region with lateral walls that constrain the clip spring, and the electrically conductive member region. This segmentation allows the clip spring to provide flexible accommodation while the lateral walls prevent escape, maintaining both adaptability and stability
4Ease of operation
If the clip spring accommodates the first end part with resilient deformation, then positional deviations are absorbed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clip spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it accommodates the electrically conductive member, absorbs positional deviations through resilient deformation, and provides mechanical retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining deviation absorption capability
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 solution enables reliable electrical connections by absorbing positional deviations and preventing the clip spring from escaping, facilitating easy connection and reducing the need for braided wires, thus enhancing connection stability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a clip spring separate from the electrically conductive member, the clip spring accommodating the first end part
Implementation Method 2
the clip spring including a first resilient piece and a second resilient piece capable of sandwiching the first end part and the mating terminal
Implementation Method 3
the clip stopper including a locking portion to be locked to the electrically conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a strip-like electrically conductive member including a first end part connectable to a mating terminal, a connector housing for accommodating the electrically conductive member, a clip spring separate from the electrically conductive member, the clip spring accommodating the first end part, and a clip stopper mounted on the electrically conductive member, the clip stopper limiting a displacement of the clip spring with respect to the electrically conductive member. The connector housing includes a wall provided with an opening enabling insertion of the mating terminal in a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive member to connect the mating terminal to the first end part. The clip spring includes a first resilient piece and a second resilient piece capable of sandwiching the first end part and the mating terminal with the mating terminal inserted through the opening overlapped on the first end part.