Connector Terminal Depth Alignment for Resonance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic connectors with multiple terminals face challenges in designing exposed lengths to prevent resonance with outside vibrations without increasing the connector size, as the exposed lengths of different terminal groups often differ, making it difficult to arrange them at the same position without enlarging the connector housing.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a first and second terminal group with bent portions positioned differently in the depth direction, allowing the second terminal group's projecting length to be equal or smaller than the first, enabling both groups to be aligned without increasing the connector size, by adjusting the step surfaces and supporting bodies within the connector housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exposed length of terminals in different groups is made equal to prevent resonance, then the connector size increases, but the connector size should be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a depth direction (third direction) as a new dimension for terminal arrangement. Terminals in different groups are positioned at different depths within the connector housing, allowing their exposed lengths to be equalized without increasing the connector's width or height. This dimensional transition enables resonance prevention while maintaining compact connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple terminal groups are arranged at different depth levels within the connector housing. The first terminal group is positioned at a first depth, the second terminal group at a second depth, creating a layered configuration. This nesting allows all terminals to have equal exposed lengths without expanding the overall connector footprint.
2Ease of operation
If terminals are arranged at the same position in width direction, then the connector width increases, but the connector width should be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging terminals at the same width position (which would increase connector width), the patent transitions to the depth direction for differentiation. Terminals are positioned at different depths (first depth and second depth) while maintaining alignment in other directions, enabling flexible terminal arrangement without increasing connector width.
3Reliability
If the projecting length of second terminal group is made equal or smaller than first terminal group, then the exposed lengths can be equalized, but the terminal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terminal structure into distinct groups (first terminal group and second terminal group) with different positioning characteristics. Each group is independently positioned at a specific depth, allowing separate control of their projecting lengths. This segmentation enables exposed length equalization through systematic depth-based arrangement rather than complex individual terminal adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device has a base plate and a connector. Multiple terminals are supported by a connector housing, wherein each front-side end of the terminals outwardly extends from a front-side surface and each back-side end of the terminals outwardly extends from a back-side surface of the connector housing and connected to a corresponding land formed in the base plate. The multiple terminals are arranged in a width direction and divided into at least a first and a second terminal group in a height direction of the connector housing. The connector housing has a first and a second step surface on its back side. The terminal of the first terminal group outwardly extends from the first step surface and the terminal of the second terminal group outwardly extends from the second step surface. The first step surface is located at a position closer to the base plate in the height direction than the second step surface. A projecting terminal length of the terminal of the second terminal group in a depth direction of the connector housing is made to be equal to or smaller than that of the terminal of the first terminal group.