Connector Spring Contact Segmentation for Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shield connectors experience high insertion/extraction force and large size due to sliding contact between metal tab terminals and elastic contact pieces, which limits their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a female terminal with a flat plate-shaped male terminal insertion opening and spring contact pieces that are cantilevered and elastically deformed to make contact with the male terminal, reducing the insertion/extraction force and allowing for a more compact size by increasing the contact load per unit area while maintaining electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding contact between metal tab terminal and elastic contact piece is used to establish electrical connection, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but insertion/extraction force becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The contact interface is segmented into multiple spring contact pieces (first, second, third, and fourth spring contact pieces) arranged at predetermined intervals along the opening peripheral section. This segmentation distributes the contact load across multiple points, reducing the force required for insertion and extraction while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the combined effect of all contact pieces
Solution Approach 2:
The spring contact pieces are designed with different configurations to optimize local contact characteristics. The first and second spring contact pieces have different shapes from the third and fourth spring contact pieces, allowing each to be optimized for its specific position and function. This local quality differentiation enables effective contact with the male terminal while controlling insertion/extraction force
2Reliability
If contact area is extended in the sliding contact direction to secure effective contact area, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but connector size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the contact area in the sliding direction (one dimension), the invention distributes multiple spring contact pieces along the opening peripheral section (utilizing the circumferential dimension). This dimensional change allows effective contact area to be achieved through spatial distribution rather than linear extension, keeping the connector compact while maintaining reliable electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The contact interface is divided into multiple discrete spring contact pieces positioned at predetermined intervals around the opening periphery. This segmentation provides sufficient total contact area for reliable electrical connection without requiring extension in any single direction, thereby maintaining a compact connector size
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 connector achieves reduced insertion and extraction force and a more compact size by utilizing spring contact pieces that are elastically deformed to securely connect the male terminal, enhancing the electrical connection reliability and reducing the overall size compared to conventional sliding contact structures.
Implementation Method 1
spring contact pieces extending to a center of the male terminal insertion and extraction opening from the fixed-side ends thereof fixed to an opening peripheral section of the male terminal insertion and extraction opening and that are disposed at predetermined intervals along the opening peripheral section of the male terminal insertion and extraction opening, so that free-side ends of the spring contact pieces elastically make contact with the male terminal inserted into the male terminal insertion and extraction opening
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (11) includes a female terminal (13) having a terminal connection section (19) to which a mating male terminal (17) is electrically connected and a conductor connection section (23) and an electric insulating female-side housing (15) for holding the female terminal (13). The female terminal (13) includes a male terminal insertion/extraction opening (37) bored in the terminal connection section (19) and a plurality of spring contact pieces (41), the fixed-side ends (43) of which are fixed to the opening peripheral section of the male terminal insertion/extraction opening (37) and the free-side ends (45) of which elastically make contact with the male terminal (17) inserted into the male terminal insertion/extraction opening (37).