Connector With Displaceable Holding Unit for Window Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector terminal structures are limited to resin-made window plates and cannot be applied to window frames made of other materials, as they require integration with the resin-made window plate for electrical connection.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a housing with a holding unit that can displace between temporal and non-temporal locking positions, allowing for flexible attachment to various base materials using adhesives or screws, and an elastically deformable terminal that contacts the conductive film only in the non-temporal locking position for secure electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connector terminal is inserted into the terminal holder integrally formed with the resin-made window plate, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connector cannot be applied to window frames made of other materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to various base materialsVSAvoidintegration with resin-made window plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate components: a housing that can be fixed to different base materials (glass, resin, metal) and a terminal holder assembly that can be independently attached. This segmentation allows the same connector design to be adapted to various window frame materials without requiring integral formation with the base material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with universal fixing capabilities that can accommodate multiple base materials (glass, resin, metal) through different fixing methods (adhesive, screw, clamp). This universal design enables the same connector structure to serve multiple applications across different vehicle window types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the terminal contacts the conductive film during fixation, then electrical connection is established, but stress acts on the connector when fixed with adhesive or screw

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidstress on connector during fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is fixed to the base material first in a temporal locking position where the terminal does not contact the conductive film. This preliminary fixation establishes a stable mechanical foundation before electrical connection is made, preventing stress on the connector during the fixation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal holder assembly is designed to be movable relative to the housing, transitioning from a temporal locking position (during fixation) to a non-temporal locking position (during operation). This dynamic positioning allows the terminal to contact the conductive film only after the housing is securely fixed, eliminating stress during fixation while ensuring reliable electrical connection during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the terminal is elastically deformed to contact the conductive film, then electrical connection is achieved, but the terminal may contact exterior members causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoiddust and exterior member contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal holder assembly is nested within or integrated with the housing structure, which provides a protective enclosure. The terminal can elastically deform to contact the conductive film while remaining contained within the housing, preventing contact with exterior members and contamination from dust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables electrical connection of conductive films on various materials, including glass and resin, with a lead-free connection method, reducing stress on the connector and improving contact reliability through simple fitting and elastic deformation, while maintaining the terminal away from dust and exterior members.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable terminal held by the holding unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9960510B2Connector
Publication Date: 2018.05.01 JST MFG CO LTD
  • US9960510B2 patent drawing
  • US9960510B2 patent drawing
  • US9960510B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A male connector includes a housing fixed to a base, a holding unit supported in such a manner as to enable displacement with respect to the housing; and an elastically deformable male terminal held by the holding unit. The housing is able to maintain the holding unit in a stationary state with the terminal undeformed and apart from the conductive film, while the holding unit is in the temporal locking position with the housing fixed to the base. The housing is able to maintain the holding unit in a stationary state with the terminal elastically deformed and contacting the conductive film, while the holding unit is in the non-temporal locking position with the housing fixed to the base.