Connection Terminal Curved Spring Design for Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IC socket contacts experience stress concentration and plastic deformation when external forces are applied, leading to reduced durability and increased displacement.

Innovation Solution

A connection terminal design featuring at least two curved portions connected through a connecting portion, forming a shape like the letter '3', with a higher spring constant in the connecting portion to distribute stress and prevent plastic deformation, and varying curvature radii to manage deformation amounts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the spring side is formed into a laterally oriented substantially U-shape with separated spring portions, then the displacement amount can be increased, but stress concentrates on the backbone portion causing plastic deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement amountVSAvoidstress concentration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the conventional U-shaped spring side with a substantially 3-shape spring side comprising first and second curved portions. These curved portions distribute stress along their arc paths rather than concentrating it at the backbone portion, while still providing the necessary displacement capability. The curvature radius of each portion is specifically designed to balance displacement requirements with stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Volume of moving object

If the connection terminal is made smaller in size or depth, then the device complexity is reduced, but stress concentration becomes more severe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection terminal sizeVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different curvature radii to different portions of the spring side. The first curved portion has a different curvature radius than the second curved portion, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific function. This local differentiation enables stress distribution throughout the structure while maintaining a compact overall size, preventing both stress concentration and excessive displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design enhances durability by reducing stress concentration and preventing plastic deformation, allowing for increased displacement while maintaining a small size and depth, and improves reliability and impact resistance.

Implementation Method 1

at least two curved portions connected to each other through a connecting portion, each curved portion being pushed and widened by a load applied to the movable contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2827456B1Connection terminal and connector using same
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 OMRON CORP
  • EP2827456B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2827456B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2827456B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A connection terminal includes a movable contact which projects outside from a contact hole of a housing such that the movable contact can be pressed, and at least two curved portions connected to each other through a connecting portion. Each curved portion is pushed and widened by a load applied to the movable contact.