Electrical Connector Clamping Terminal Front-to-Back Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors with clamping terminals are too large and prone to loosening due to their rear-to-front assembly direction, which complicates miniaturization and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector features an insulating housing with a front-to-back mating cavity and clamping terminals with resilient arms extending transversely, utilizing limiting portions and movable slots to maintain clamping force without additional space for deformation, facilitating miniaturization and secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the clamping terminal is assembled in a rear-to-front direction with clamping arms extending forwardly, then the clamping function is achieved, but the electrical connector becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional assembly direction from rear-to-front to front-to-back. The clamping terminal is assembled from the front of the insulating housing toward the back, with clamping arms extending backwardly instead of forwardly. This inversion allows the clamping terminal to be compactly integrated into the housing structure, reducing overall connector size while maintaining the clamping function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by having clamping arms extend in a transverse direction (perpendicular to the front-to-back assembly direction) rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change allows the clamping arms to achieve their clamping function without increasing the longitudinal length of the connector, thereby reducing overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the clamping terminal is assembled in a rear-to-front direction, then the clamping function is achieved, but the clamping terminal is easy to loose in frequency use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping functionVSAvoidassembly stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the assembly direction to front-to-back, the clamping terminal's orientation is reversed, which changes how forces are distributed during operation. This inversion, combined with the transverse extension of clamping arms, creates a more stable assembly that resists loosening under frequent use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a resilient clamping arm that can dynamically adapt to mating forces. The clamping arm is designed with elastic properties allowing it to flex and return to its original position, maintaining stable engagement during frequent mating and unmating operations without loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If additional space is provided for clamping arm deformation, then the clamping function is improved, but the connector size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing additional longitudinal space for clamping arm deformation, the patent utilizes the transverse dimension. The clamping arms extend in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction, allowing them to deform and exert clamping force without increasing the connector's length in the front-to-back direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a resilient clamping arm with flexible properties that can deform within a compact space. The elastic material allows the clamping arm to bend and apply clamping force without requiring large deformation space, achieving reliable clamping in a miniaturized structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 achieves a compact size while ensuring reliable clamping force and easy mating with standard or non-standard connectors, reducing the likelihood of the connector becoming loose and simplifying manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping terminal has a main body and a resilient clamping arm extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction from the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10158186B2Electrical connector having clamping terminal

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector includes an insulating housing and a clamping terminal. The insulating housing has a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The insulating housing has a mating cavity opening forwardly along a front-to-back direction. The first side wall and the second side wall are disposed around the mating cavity. The clamping terminal has a main body and a resilient clamping arm extending along a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction from the main body. The clamping arm has a contacting portion exposed in the mating cavity. The first side wall has an assembling slot, and the second side wall has a movable slot. The main body is received in the assembly slot, and a head portion of the clamping arm is movable in the movable slot.