Electrical Connector Uniform Retaining Force via Segmented Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors for BUS conductive plates experience uneven retaining force due to metal retaining members that do not account for individual terminal deformation, leading to assembly difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes an insulating body with a mating groove, first terminal members with elastic contacting parts, and second terminal members that apply a uniform retaining force by abutting against each other, allowing for separable assembly and improved contact with the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional metal retaining members are used to cover all terminals, then the retaining force is increased, but the retaining force becomes uneven across individual terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retaining members into multiple independent first retaining members and second retaining members, each corresponding to individual terminals. This segmentation allows each retaining member to independently apply retaining force to its corresponding terminal, ensuring uniform distribution of retaining force across all terminals rather than having one large metal plate covering all terminals.
2Device complexity
If upper and lower retaining members are formed as a bent C-shaped component from a whole piece of metal plate, then the structure is simplified, but the assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the C-shaped retaining structure into multiple separate first and second retaining members that can be independently assembled. Instead of forming one complex bent component from a single metal plate, the design uses multiple simpler pieces that are easier to manufacture and assemble, with each piece corresponding to specific terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The first retaining members and second retaining members are nested within the insulating body structure, with each retaining member positioned in its own designated space. This nesting arrangement allows for compact assembly while maintaining ease of manufacture, as each component fits into its predetermined location within the overall connector structure.
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 design ensures a consistent retaining force for each terminal and simplifies the assembly process by allowing individual components to be assembled easily, addressing the issues of uneven force distribution and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first terminal members comprises a plurality of first elastic contacting parts. The pair of second terminal members is disposed in the mating groove. Each of the second terminal members comprises a plurality of second elastic contacting parts abutting against the plurality of first elastic contacting parts correspondingly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises an insulating body, a pair of first terminal members, a pair of second terminal members, and a fastening part. The insulating body comprises a mating groove. The pair of first terminal members is disposed in the mating groove. Each of the first terminal members comprises a plurality of first elastic contacting parts. The pair of second terminal members is disposed in the mating groove. The pair of first terminal members is disposed between the pair of second terminal members. Each of the second terminal members comprises a plurality of second elastic contacting parts. The second elastic contacting part abuts against the first elastic contacting portion correspondingly. The fastening part fastens the pair of first terminal members and the pair of second terminal members.