Connection Terminal Rib Structure for Low-Cost Contact Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick-connect terminals face a trade-off between manufacturing cost and strength, as thicker curled portions increase costs but thinner ones compromise the strength and contact force, leading to poor electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design featuring oppositely disposed curled portions with reinforcing ribs and abutting portions that form a plug-in space, providing a locking mechanism for the plug-in terminal while maintaining a balance between cost-effectiveness and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the curled portions is increased to provide suitable strength, then the strength and contact force are improved, but manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding reinforcing ribs only to specific locations on the curled portions where structural support is most needed. This allows the curled portions to maintain adequate thickness for strength while reducing material usage in non-critical areas, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the necessary mechanical properties for reliable electrical contact.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thickness of the curled portions is decreased to reduce manufacturing costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the strength and contact force are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curled portion structure by introducing reinforcing ribs that divide the curled portions into multiple structural zones. This segmentation allows thinner overall thickness while maintaining local strength through the rib structures, achieving cost reduction through less material while preserving sufficient contact force for reliable electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection terminal for use with a plug-in terminal includes a terminal body and a tongue. The tongue extends from a first end of the terminal body along an axial direction of the connection terminal and defines a locking element. A first curled portion and a second curled portion are disposed oppositely on two sides of the terminal body. The first curled portion and the second curled portion define at least one first reinforcing rib and at least one second reinforcing rib, and include a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion. A plug-in space is formed between the first and second curled portions and the terminal body for receiving the plug-in terminal. With the plug-in terminal inserted into the plug-in space, the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion abut against the plug-in terminal, and the locking element locks the plug-in terminal within the plug-in space.