Compact Connector Housing Reduces Width for Dense Device Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors for electronic devices in daisy chain configurations require a wider housing arrangement, leading to interference between adjacent devices and an increased size of the electronic device system due to the need for wider gaps to accommodate the connector's width.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a first and second housing, where the second housing has terminals and conductors arranged to reduce the width in the Z-axis direction, allowing for a more compact configuration without protrusion into adjacent device gaps, thereby reducing the overall size of the electronic device system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple terminals are arranged in a two-row by two-column matrix in the housing, then electrical connectivity between terminals is improved, but the width of the housing in the arrangement direction increases, causing the housing to protrude into gaps between adjacent electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the terminals from a planar two-row by two-column matrix arrangement to a configuration where terminals are arranged along the length direction of the housing. Specifically, the first terminal is arranged along the length direction, and the second terminal is arranged along the width direction, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This dimensional reorganization maintains electrical connectivity while reducing the housing width in the arrangement direction, preventing protrusion into gaps between adjacent electronic devices.
2Reliability
If the housing width is increased to accommodate the terminal arrangement, then terminal connectivity is ensured, but the gap between adjacent electronic devices must be widened, increasing the overall size of the electronic device system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar terminal arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where terminals are positioned at different locations along both the length and width directions of the housing. The first terminal is arranged along the length direction, while the second terminal is arranged along the width direction, creating a more compact overall footprint. This allows terminal connectivity to be maintained without increasing the housing width, thereby preventing the need to widen gaps between adjacent electronic devices and reducing the overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the terminal structure is integrated within the housing in a space-efficient manner. The terminals are positioned to utilize the internal volume of the housing effectively, with the first terminal extending along the length direction and the second terminal along the width direction, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the external dimensions of the housing while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first housing and a second housing. The connector includes a terminal that is a first terminal disposed in a region opposite to the electronic device, of the second housing, and a terminal that is a second terminal disposed in the region opposite to the electronic device, of the second housing, and disposed adjacent to the first terminal. The connector includes a terminal that is a third terminal disposed in the region opposite to the electronic device, of the second housing, and disposed adjacent to the second terminal along an arrangement direction of the first terminal and the second terminal. The connector includes a first connecting conductor that electrically connects together the first terminal and the second terminal, and electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal to a first device-side conductor provided in the electronic device.