Connector Contact Point Arrangement for Reliable Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a connector is downsized, the reduced dimension in the Z-direction can lead to a decrease in the travel distance of the upper contact point, potentially resulting in unreliable contact between the terminal and the mating terminal, as only the lower contact point may come into contact during mating.
Innovation Solution
The connector design positions both the upper and lower contact points within the receiving portion, ensuring that both make contact with the mating terminal even when downsized, maintaining reliable contact by adjusting the positions and movements of the contact points during mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is downsized to reduce the Z-direction dimension, then the connector size is reduced, but the travel distance of the upper contact point is reduced leading to unreliable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions both the upper contact point and lower contact point within the receiving portion, utilizing the Z-direction space effectively. By arranging contact points at different Z-heights (upper and lower), the design compensates for reduced overall connector size while ensuring both contact points can engage the mating terminal reliably during the mating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is divided into multiple contact points (upper contact point and lower contact point) that can engage the mating terminal at different stages or positions. This segmentation ensures that even when the connector is downsized, multiple contact opportunities exist, maintaining contact reliability through redundant contact paths.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is downsized, then the Z-direction dimension is reduced, but only the lower contact point may come into contact with the mating terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the Z-direction dimension by positioning contact points at different heights (upper and lower) within the receiving portion. This vertical arrangement ensures that during the mating operation, both upper and lower contact points can engage the mating terminal, maintaining proper mating operation even when the overall connector size is reduced.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals. The housing has a receiving portion and terminal accommodation portions. Each of the terminals has a fixed portion, a held portion, a first spring portion and a second spring portion. The first spring portion has a first turn portion and a first coupling portion. The second spring portion has a second turn portion, a second coupling portion, an upper contact point and a recessed portion. The upper contact point is positioned in the receiving portion. The upper contact point faces in a first predetermined orientation. The second turn portion has a lower contact point. The lower contact point is positioned in the receiving portion. The lower contact point faces in the first predetermined orientation. The recessed portion is positioned between the upper contact point and the lower contact point in an up-down direction.