Connector Holder Bracket Heat Dissipation Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated by power source terminals, which can lead to accumulation and reduced performance in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The connector design includes a socket and header with specific terminal configurations and holder brackets made of metal, featuring oblong rectangular shapes and tapered parts, which enhance heat dissipation by increasing the surface area for thermal management and mechanical strength, allowing for efficient electrical connections and reliable terminal engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional connector designs are used, then the structure is simple, but heat dissipation capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the holder bracket in the longitudinal direction to create tapered parts that protrude beyond terminal ends. This dimensional extension adds heat dissipation surface area without significantly increasing overall connector complexity, as the extension is integrated into the existing holder bracket structure rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder bracket is segmented into multiple functional zones: a body portion for structural support, extended portions for heat dissipation, and locking portions for terminal engagement. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If terminal engagement force is increased, then connection reliability is improved, but friction and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidfriction and heat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The locking portion is designed to dynamically adapt during engagement: initially flexible to guide terminal insertion with minimal friction, then transforming into a rigid locked state that provides strong mechanical interlocking. This dynamic behavior reduces initial friction during insertion while maintaining high reliability in the engaged state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered parts feature curved surfaces that guide terminal engagement smoothly, reducing friction compared to sharp angular contacts. The curvature distributes contact forces more evenly, lowering peak friction and heat generation while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Temperature

If metal holder brackets with extended portions are used, then heat dissipation surface area is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation surface areaVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation extended portions are merged with the holder bracket body as an integrated structure rather than separate components. This allows the holder bracket to simultaneously perform structural support, terminal retention, and heat dissipation functions, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity while maximizing heat dissipation surface area.

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

This design improves heat dissipation capabilities, enhances the reliability of electrical connections, and extends the service life of the connector by reducing friction and improving locking mechanisms, thus addressing the heat accumulation issue in connectors.

Implementation Method 1

holder brackets (34) made of metal... enhance heat dissipation by increasing the surface area for thermal management

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3179568B1Connector and header and socket used in said connector
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3179568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3179568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3179568B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector is configured such that, while a socket housing (31) is engaged with a header housing (21), a socket-side signal terminal (32) contacts a header-side signal terminal (22), and a socket-side power source terminal (33) contacts a header-side power source terminal (23). A socket-side holder bracket (34) is disposed in the socket housing (31). The socket-side holder bracket (34) includes a mounting terminal (34d) configured to be soldered to a circuit pattern formed on a circuit board (60). The socket-side power source terminal (33) includes a base part (33a) configured to be soldered to the circuit pattern formed on the circuit board (60). The mounting terminal (34d) and the base part (33a) are soldered to a common circuit pattern.