Composite Spring Contact Structure for Stable Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring members struggle to stably exhibit electrical conductivity and heat transferability when prioritizing load characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A spring member comprising a conductive plate and a support plate, where the conductive plate has higher electrical and thermal conductivity than the support plate, and both plates are curved or bent with specific contact portions to ensure strong and stable contact with pressed bodies, with the support plate providing additional contact and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the spring member is designed to prioritize load characteristics, then the mechanical strength and elasticity are improved, but the electrical conductivity and heat transferability become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is divided into two distinct plates: a support plate for mechanical functions and a conductive plate for electrical and thermal functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support, enabling elastic deformation for contact pressure, and supporting the conductive plate structure. The conductive plate simultaneously provides electrical conduction and thermal conduction paths
2Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the spring member, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but it cannot simultaneously achieve high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and high Young's modulus
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member uses a composite structure of two different materials: a support plate material with high Young's modulus for mechanical strength, and a conductive plate material with high electrical and thermal conductivity. This composite approach allows optimization of each material for its primary function
3Reliability
If the spring member uses a plated structure to improve conductivity, then the electrical and thermal conductivity is enhanced, but the plating may peel over time reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of plating one material with another, the invention segments the structure into separate support plate and conductive plate components. The conductive plate is made entirely of conductive material, eliminating the plating interface that would otherwise be prone to peeling
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive plate can be designed as a replaceable component with lower mechanical strength requirements, allowing it to be replaced if degraded, while the durable support plate maintains the structural integrity over long periods
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 stable and durable electrical conductivity and heat transferability without peeling, improving durability and maintaining contact integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive plate is formed of a material in which at least one of electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity thereof is higher than that of a material forming the support plate
Implementation Method 2
the conductive plate is formed of a material in which at least one of electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity thereof is higher than that of a material forming the support plate
Implementation Method 3
when the spring member is provided between the first pressed body and the second pressed body, and the support plate together with the conductive plate is elastically deformed
Data Source
AI summary
The spring member (1, 2, 3) includes a conductive plate (11) and a support plate (12), the conductive plate is formed of a material in which at least one of electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity thereof is higher than that of a material forming the support plate, the support plate is formed of the material having a higher Young's modulus than that of the material forming the conductive plate, two end portions of the conductive plate in a second direction (X) are provided with first contact portions (13) that contact a first pressed body (W1), an intermediate portion of the conductive plate in the second direction is provided with a second contact portion (14) that contacts a second pressed body (W2), the two end portions of the conductive plate in the second direction are engaged with two end portions of the support plate in the second direction, an intermediate portion of the support plate in the second direction is provided with a third contact portion (15) that contacts the second contact portion, and the second contact portion is sandwiched between the third contact portion and the second pressed body in a first direction (Z).