Connector With Elastic Support Member For Flexible Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors for flexible conductors often damage the conductors during connection due to excessive force, compromising the reliability of the electrical connection.

Innovation Solution

A connector design that uses a combination of support members and pushing members to ensure the flexible conductor is not rubbed by large forces during connection, with the support members being elastically deformed to apply a pressing force without damaging the conductor, and the pushing members inserted to secure the connection without direct contact that could cause damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the projection of the base member is inserted into the projection accommodating portion together with the flexible substrate to press the flexible conductor against the inner surface, then electrical connection is achieved, but the flexible conductor may be damaged due to large rubbing force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconductor damage from rubbing force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the base member and the flexible substrate. The support member has a projection that fits into the projection accommodating portion, and the flexible substrate is positioned between this support member projection and the base member projection. This intermediary structure distributes the pressing force and prevents direct rubbing contact between the base member and flexible substrate, thereby protecting the flexible conductor while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is installed beforehand to provide cushioning protection for the flexible substrate. By positioning the support member with its projection into the accommodating portion before final assembly, it creates a protective buffer that absorbs and distributes the insertion force, preventing damage to the flexible conductor during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If large force is applied to ensure predetermined contact force between flexible conductor and contact, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the flexible conductor may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconductor integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves as a force-distributing intermediary that transforms concentrated large force into distributed pressing force. The projection of the support member fits into the projection accommodating portion and presses the flexible substrate uniformly, ensuring adequate contact force for reliable electrical connection while preventing localized stress concentration that could damage the flexible conductor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member changes the force distribution parameters by introducing a larger contact area. Instead of a small projection directly pressing the flexible conductor, the support member's projection distributes the force over a broader area of the flexible substrate, maintaining necessary contact pressure while reducing peak stress on the conductor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The design prevents damage to the flexible conductor and ensures reliable electrical connection by distributing force and avoiding direct rubbing, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the connector.

Implementation Method 1

the support members being elastically deformed to apply a pressing force without damaging the conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3800739B1Connector and connecting method
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • EP3800739B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3800739B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3800739B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A connector includes a pushing member having a projection, a support member disposed to contact a lateral surface of the projection, and a contact made of a conductive material and having a support member facing portion facing the support member, a part of the flexible conductor being disposed between the support member and the support member facing portion of the contact, the lateral surface of the projection pressing the part of the flexible conductor against the support member facing portion of the contact via the support member, whereby the contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor.