Conductor Module Fixing Member for Terminal Connection Reliability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The connection reliability of a conductor module for terminals is compromised due to exposure of the connecting unit, which can be damaged by external forces, reducing the reliability of the voltage detection line and bus bar connection.

Innovation Solution

A conductor module with a fixing member that includes plastic deformable legs to secure the state detector between the connection conductor and the main body, preventing external forces from dislodging the detection conductor, and using an insulator to cover the detection conductor for added protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connecting unit is exposed to the outside for easy connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to damage from external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection conductor is nested within the housing case, which protects it from external forces while maintaining electrical connection functionality. The connecting unit is integrated into the housing structure rather than being exposed, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the voltage detection line is exposed to the outside for flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to pulling forces and separation forces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage detection line is nested within the housing case structure, which provides mechanical protection against pulling forces and separation forces while maintaining the electrical connection function. The housing acts as a protective envelope that preserves both flexibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the conductor module is housed in a housing case for protection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing case is merged with the conductor module structure, integrating the protective function into the existing design rather than adding a separate protective component. This combining approach provides protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

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 solution effectively secures the state detector to the connection conductor, enhancing the connection reliability by preventing external forces from disrupting the connection, thus maintaining the integrity of the conductor module without the need for housing the components.

Implementation Method 1

each of the fixing legs that is plastically deformable by an external force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3557659B1Conductor module for terminal
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3557659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3557659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3557659B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal conductor module includes a bus bar 2, a state detector 3A including a detection conductor 31, and a fixing member 4A fixing the state detector 3A to the bus bar 2. The bus bar 2 includes a connection surface 2a to which the detection conductor 31 is electrically connected, and two fixing holes 22 formed with the placed state detector 3A interposed therebetween. The fixing member 4A includes a main body 41 that the state detector 3A is made contact with, and plastically deformable fixing legs 42. Each of the fixing legs 42 is inserted in the fixing hole 22 from the connection surface side and projects from the fixed surface 2b. In a fixed state, when the fixing leg 42 is seen from an axis direction of the fixing hole 22, a tip 42a of the fixing leg 42 is disposed on the outside in a radial direction than the fixing holes 22.