Connector Terminal Buffer Portion for PCB Gap Accommodation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors face challenges in aligning printed circuit boards due to positional gaps between connector terminals and through-holes, leading to insertion issues and reduced current capacity when terminals are designed to be resiliently deformable.

Innovation Solution

A connector terminal with deformable buffer portions and projecting portions, allowing for flexible insertion and absorption of positional gaps between press-fit terminals, ensuring stable electrical connection and high current transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connector terminals are designed to have a smaller cross-sectional area to allow resilient deformation, then the connector terminals can accommodate positional gaps, but the current transmission capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional gap accommodationVSAvoidcurrent transmission capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connector terminal is divided into two distinct parts: a press-fit terminal portion with sufficient cross-sectional area for current transmission, and a buffer portion with smaller cross-sectional area for resilient deformation. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the connector terminal have different cross-sectional areas tailored to their specific functions. The press-fit terminal portion has a larger cross-sectional area optimized for current transmission, while the buffer portion has a smaller cross-sectional area optimized for resilient deformation and gap accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If connector terminals are made with larger cross-sectional area, then current transmission capacity is improved, but the ability to resiliently deform and accommodate positional gaps is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent transmission capacityVSAvoidpositional gap accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a receptacle assembly is added to absorb positional gaps, then insertion reliability is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer function is merged into the connector terminal itself by adding a buffer portion directly to the terminal structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate receptacle assemblies, reducing the number of parts while maintaining gap absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector terminal performs both current transmission and gap absorption functions through its own integrated structure. The buffer portion of the terminal itself provides the resilient deformation needed to accommodate positional gaps, making the terminal self-sufficient without requiring additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable insertion of press-fit terminals into printed circuit boards despite positional gaps, maintaining terminal strength and allowing high current flow while preventing excessive stress.

Implementation Method 1

at least one buffer portion deformable in accordance with a gap between imaginary longitudinal center lines of the press-fit terminals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9214760B2Connector terminal including buffer portion and connector housing used for the same

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 I PEX CO LTD

AI summary

The connector terminal includes at opposite ends a pair of press-fit terminals to be inserted into through-holes formed through two printed circuit boards located facing each other, each of the press-fit terminals having a plurality of contact pieces, and further includes at least one buffer portion deformable in accordance with a gap between imaginary longitudinal center lines of the press-fit terminals.