Electrical Connector Floating Terminals with Elastic Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for circuit boards face difficulties in achieving floating motion in the connection direction and one of the two perpendicular directions, which is necessary for securely attaching a connected circuit board, due to the limitations of their elastic linking portions.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design features terminals with elastic portions that include longitudinal and lateral components, allowing for elastic bending displacement to facilitate floating in the connection direction and both perpendicular directions, as well as a tilt direction, by separating the stationary and movable housings and incorporating bent portions for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the stationary housing and movable housing are integrally linked by a linking portion, then the structural integrity is improved, but the floating capability in the connection direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into two separate components: a stationary housing fixed to the circuit board and a movable housing that can move independently. This segmentation allows the movable housing to float relative to the stationary housing, enabling the connector to accommodate misalignment and tilt when connecting to thin circuit boards while maintaining overall structural integrity through the terminal's elastic portions.
2Device complexity
If a single elastic portion is used to link stationary and movable housings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the floating capability in multiple directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different types of elastic portions at different locations within the terminal structure. The first elastic portion connects the stationary and movable housings to enable floating in the connection direction, while the second elastic portion is provided on the contact portion to accommodate tilt and perpendicular displacements. This localized differentiation of elastic properties ensures comprehensive floating capability without unnecessary complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the terminal is supported at multiple places, then the stability is improved, but the elastic displacement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the terminal with dynamic support characteristics where the degree of support varies along its length. The terminal is supported at multiple locations but with different levels of constraint, allowing greater elastic displacement at critical contact points while maintaining overall stability. The elastic portions are strategically positioned to provide flexibility where needed while preserving structural stability.
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 configuration enables the movable housing to float linearly in the connection direction and both perpendicular directions, ensuring secure attachment and mobility of the connected circuit board, even when tilted, thereby improving the connector's floating characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
This terminal has the elastic portion (relay portion) that permits floating of the movable housing while maintaining the movable housing in a position that is away from the stationary housing as mentioned above
Implementation Method 2
The electrical connector design features terminals with elastic portions that include longitudinal and lateral components, allowing for elastic bending displacement to facilitate floating in the connection direction and both perpendicular directions, as well as a tilt direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector with terminals having contact portions that come into contact with a connected circuit board and a housing that supports the terminals. The housing has a stationary housing for attaching to a circuit board and a movable housing configured to move with respect to the stationary housing. The connecting circuit board contacts the contact portions on the movable housing side. The terminals each have a stationary-side supported portion that is supported by the stationary housing, a movable-side supported portion that is supported by the movable housing, and an elastic portion that links the stationary-side supported portion and the movable-side supported portion. The elastic portions each have longitudinal portions extending in the connector mating direction, and a lateral portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and reach the stationary-side supported portions via bent portions that are bent at the inner ends of the lateral portions.