Electrical Connector With Spring Clip And Dielectric Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing busbar connectors with adjustment mechanisms for misaligned conductive components have mating contacts that are electrically common, unable to carry different currents or operate at different voltages, necessitating an electrical connector with independent and adjustable contacts.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a pair of electrical contacts with flexible mating portions and a spring clip mechanism, where the spring clip is mechanically engaged to the contacts and isolated by a dielectric member to maintain electrical independence, allowing for misalignment adjustment and independent current/voltage operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate misaligned conductive components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is designed to be movable relative to the mounting portions, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate misaligned conductive components. The flexibility of the mating portions enables automatic alignment compensation without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip with flexible mating portions automatically adjusts itself to accommodate misalignment through its inherent elasticity and movement capability, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or manual intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mating contacts are electrically connected within the connector housing, then mechanical stability is improved, but electrical independence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is divided into separate electrical zones by dielectric members, creating electrically independent contact regions while maintaining mechanical continuity through the conductive spring structure. This segmentation allows different contacts to operate at different voltages and currents.
Solution Approach 2:
Dielectric members are introduced as intermediary elements between conductive regions of the spring clip, providing electrical isolation while allowing mechanical force transmission. This enables independent electrical circuits to share a common mechanical support 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
The solution enables independent electrical engagement of conductive components, accommodating misalignment while ensuring each contact can operate at different voltages and carry different currents, enhancing the flexibility and functionality of electrical connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The spring clip has a dielectric member that is positioned between the spring clip and at least one of the electrical contacts to electrically isolate the spring clip from said at least one of the electrical contacts
Implementation Method 2
The spring clip has a pair of opposing clip arms and a bridge member that joins the clip arms. The clip arms are separated by a gap with the mating portions positioned therebetween. The clip arms are biased against the corresponding mating portions.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical connector that includes a pair of electrical contacts. Each of the electrical contacts has a mounting portion and a flexible mating portion that is configured to electrically engage a conductive component. The mating portions of the electrical contacts are separated by a component-receiving space and oppose each other across the component-receiving space. The electrical connector also includes a spring clip that is configured to mechanically engage the mating portions and is movable with respect to the mounting portions. The spring clip has a pair of opposing clip arms and a bridge member that joins the clip arms. The clip arms are separated by a gap with the mating portions positioned therebetween. The clip arms are biased against the corresponding mating portions. The spring clip has a dielectric member that is positioned to electrically isolate at least one of the electrical contacts.