Electrical Connector With Integrated Overvoltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with built-in circuit protection devices face limitations in high-density mounting due to space constraints and lack of flexibility in circuit formation, as they are often dedicated to specific applications and cannot accommodate multi-position circuits effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a housing with multiple contacts and a semiconductor device that includes overvoltage protection, where the contacts are grounded through the semiconductor device, allowing for flexible protection circuits and higher circuit integration on a circuit board without requiring extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit protection elements are mounted on the circuit board, then circuit protection is provided, but space for mounting other electric circuits or elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit protection element with the electrical connector into a single integrated component. The connector housing contains both the electrical contacts and the circuit protection element, allowing simultaneous protection functionality and space savings without requiring separate mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical connection and circuit protection. By integrating the circuit protection element within the connector structure, the same component performs both signal transmission and protection roles, eliminating the need for dedicated protection component mounting space.
2Productivity
If multiple contacts are provided in the electrical connector, then circuit integration is improved, but flexibility of circuit formation is reduced due to lack of insulation between contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector contacts into independently insulated segments. Each contact or group of contacts is electrically isolated from others through insulating structures within the housing, allowing individual contacts to be configured for different functions while maintaining high circuit integration density.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connector housing provide different electrical characteristics. Insulating barriers are strategically placed between specific contacts to create locally differentiated electrical zones, enabling flexible circuit formation while maintaining overall compact integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector, includes a protection circuit for protecting circuits on a circuit board. The electrical connector includes a housing, a plurality of contacts secured to the housing, and a semiconductor device built into the housing. The semiconductor devices include an overvoltage protection device, and the plurality of contacts are grounded through the overvoltage protection device.