Coil Spring Receptacle Terminal for Flexible Axial Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical receptacle terminals often require precise alignment with plug terminals to avoid stubbing and additional packaging space due to overtravel, and coil springs are not typically used in axial applications for improved contact.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly featuring a helical coil spring with compressive contact points and a spherical sector shaped electrical contact, integrated with a cable terminal, to ensure robust and flexible electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stamped and folded receptacle terminals are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but precise alignment with plug terminals is required to avoid stubbing and additional packaging space is needed for overtravel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid stamped and folded terminal structure with a dynamic coil spring structure. The coil spring can dynamically adjust its shape and position during connection, absorbing misalignment and eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the terminal from a rigid structure to a flexible coil spring structure. This changes the mechanical properties from rigid to elastic, allowing the terminal to adapt to alignment variations through elastic deformation, thereby reducing alignment precision requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional stamped and folded receptacle terminals are used, then manufacturing is simple, but more packaging space is required due to overtravel needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid terminal requiring overtravel space to a flexible coil spring terminal that can connect without overtravel. The elastic nature of the coil spring allows connection within a compact space, reducing the packaging volume while maintaining ease of manufacture through similar metal forming processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coil springs are used in traditional applications, then flexibility is provided, but axial contact application is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by using the coil spring in an axial contact configuration rather than the traditional lateral or radial configurations. The coil spring's natural tendency to expand axially is utilized to create direct axial contact with the plug terminal, achieving both flexibility and axial contact application simultaneously.
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 assembly provides redundant contact points and flexible alignment, enhancing the robustness and electromagnetic performance of electrical connections while reducing the need for precise alignment and packaging space.
Implementation Method 1
The coil spring is in compressive contact with the cable terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical receptacle terminal configured to receive a corresponding electrical plug terminal therein. The electrical receptacle terminal has a helical coil spring. The electrical connector assembly further includes a cable terminal attached to an end of a conductor of an electrical cable. The coil spring is in compressive contact with the cable terminal.