Electrical Connector Fitting Holes Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors face challenges in stabilizing the quality of energization due to external forces being transferred to the connection point between the terminal clasp and the conductive component, particularly when soldering is used for fixation, leading to instability in the electrical connection.

Innovation Solution

The connector design incorporates fitting holes at corner parts on the extension region's peripheral area, a lock mechanism that presses the through-hole periphery against the installation surface, and a holding structure to secure the housing and cover in place, redirecting external forces away from the electrical connection area and reducing load on the connection point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the conductive component extends out of the housing with soldering fixation, then electrical connection is achieved, but external force is transferred to the connection place causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of energizationVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary fixing structure (clips, lugs, or tabs) between the conductive component and the housing. These intermediaries absorb and distribute external forces, preventing direct transfer to the soldered electrical connection point. The fixing structure acts as a mechanical buffer that decouples the electrical connection from mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional zones: an electrical connection region (soldering area) and a mechanical fixing region (clips/lugs/tabs). By separating these functions spatially, the electrical connection remains undisturbed by mechanical forces applied to the extending conductive component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If fixation structure is added to reduce force transfer, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fixing structure with either the housing or the conductive component itself, rather than adding entirely separate elements. The clips, lugs, or tabs are integrated into existing components, achieving force distribution while minimizing additional parts and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention of the conductive component, distributes external forces away from the electrical connection, and maintains positional alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3809530B1Electrical connector
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3809530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3809530B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3809530B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector includes a terminal clasp (10), a flexible flat conductive component (40), a housing (20) in which an electrical connection part (12) of the terminal clasp protrudes out of an opening (20b) of a storage room (20a), and a cover (30) that covers the electrical connection part from outside together with at least part of the housing. The flexible flat conductive component includes an electrical connection region (40a1) in which the electrical connection part is connected with a conductor, a peripheral region (40a2) enclosing the electrical connection region, an extension region (40b) extending out of the housing and the cover connected with each other, and at least two fitting holes (42) provided on the extension region side in the peripheral region.