Connector Inner Module Layout for Compact Terminal Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors with partition walls in the arrangement direction of terminal fittings increase the size of the connector, necessitating a solution to reduce this dimension.

Innovation Solution

A connector design that integrates an inner module with a plurality of terminal groups into a single outer housing accommodation chamber, eliminating the need for partition walls, and uses supporting structures to maintain terminal posture and prevent erroneous insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If partition walls are provided to accommodate multiple terminal groups, then the reliability of terminal accommodation is improved, but the size in the arrangement direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal accommodation reliabilityVSAvoidsize in arrangement direction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple terminal groups (first terminal group, second terminal group, etc.) that are arranged side by side in the arrangement direction within a single accommodation chamber, eliminating the need for partition walls while maintaining organized terminal accommodation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple terminal groups are combined and accommodated in a single accommodation chamber without partition walls, merging the space that would otherwise be divided into separate compartments, thereby reducing the overall size in the arrangement direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12609481B2Connector with terminal-accommodating housing

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD

AI summary

It is aimed to reduce a size in an arrangement direction of a plurality of terminal groups. A connector (10) is provided with an inner module (11) including a plurality of terminal groups (22) each having a pair of terminals (60) to be respectively connected to a pair of conductive paths (71), and an outer housing (12) for accommodating the inner module (11). The inner module (11) includes an inner housing (21) integrally configured to support the plurality of terminal groups (22). The outer housing (12) includes one accommodation chamber (84) for accommodating the inner module (11).