Wire-to-Board Connector Layout for Reduced Space Occupation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire-to-board connectors occupy excessive space due to the parallel arrangement of first and second elastic arms extending in the same direction, which limits their compact design and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design of the electrical connector features first and second conductive terminals with elastic arms extending in opposite directions, incorporating bifurcated abutting portions for improved contact and grounding, and a base with separate fixing portions to minimize space usage and enhance shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first elastic arms and second elastic arms extend in the same direction, then the connector structure is simple to manufacture, but the space occupation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional parallel arrangement of elastic arms to a three-dimensional configuration where first and second elastic arms extend in opposite directions. This dimensional change allows the arms to be stacked or arranged vertically, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall space occupation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized opposing extension patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having all elastic arms extend in the same direction (conventional design), the patent inverts the arrangement by having first elastic arms and second elastic arms extend in opposite directions. This inversion optimizes space utilization by allowing compact packaging of the connector components without compromising the elastic contact function.
2Area of stationary object
If the first elastic arms and second elastic arms extend in opposite directions, then the space occupation is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into distinct first conductive terminals with first elastic arms and second conductive terminals with second elastic arms. Each segment is designed to extend in opposite directions, allowing independent optimization of each segment's geometry while reducing overall space. This segmentation simplifies the design process despite the opposing extensions by treating each group as a separate modular unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric design where first elastic arms and second elastic arms have different extension directions and potentially different geometries optimized for their respective functions. This asymmetry allows compact space arrangement while the standardized asymmetric pattern keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through repeatable design motifs.
3Reliability
If the abutting portions are arc-shaped, then the electrical contact with the circuit board is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the abutting portions from flat or angular shapes to arc-shaped surfaces. This parameter change improves electrical contact reliability by providing continuous surface contact with the circuit board, distributing contact pressure more evenly. The arc radius is carefully selected to balance contact improvement with manufacturing feasibility, avoiding excessively tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature to the abutting portions by designing them as arc-shaped surfaces rather than flat or sharp-edged geometries. This curvature provides self-aligning contact with the circuit board pads, tolerating minor positioning variations and reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
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 reduces the overall space requirement, allows for miniaturization, and enhances electrical connectivity and shielding effectiveness, thereby improving the connector's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic arm includes a first abutting portion having an arc-shaped first abutting surface configured to elastically press against a circuit board, and the second elastic arm includes a second abutting portion having an arc-shaped second abutting surface configured to elastically press against the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a base, a number of first conductive terminals and a number of second conductive terminals. The base includes a mounting surface. Each first conductive terminal includes a first elastic arm. Each second conductive terminal includes a second elastic arm. The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm include a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion, respectively, for abutting against a circuit board. The present disclosure also discloses a connector assembly having the electrical connector. Compared with the prior art, the present disclosure reduces a space occupied by the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm by setting extension directions of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm to be opposite.