Multi-Size Connector Terminal Layout for Compact Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for increasing the degree of freedom in terminal layout and suppressing the increase in size of connectors with multiple terminals of different sizes while maintaining desired distances between them.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes multiple terminals arranged in rows with specific width relationships and positional constraints, where the first terminal overlaps with the fourth terminal, and the second terminal overlaps with the third terminal, allowing for flexible layout while maintaining compact size by satisfying specific distance conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terminals are arranged in a conventional grid pattern with uniform spacing, then manufacturing is simple, but layout flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces overlapping arrangement in the front-back direction (depth dimension) beyond the conventional left-right and front-back row arrangements. By allowing terminals to overlap when viewed from the front-back direction, the design adds a dimensional layer of complexity management, enabling flexible layout of terminals with different widths without increasing connector footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric terminal width design where the first terminal has a greater width than the second terminal. This asymmetry is combined with selective overlapping arrangement, creating a non-uniform, optimized layout that maximizes space utilization while maintaining electrical performance and facilitating flexible adapter design.
2Area of stationary object
If connector size is reduced to accommodate multiple terminals, then compactness is improved, but distance between terminals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension (front-back direction) for terminal arrangement, allowing terminals to be positioned at different depths while maintaining adequate lateral spacing. This three-dimensional arrangement enables compact connector footprint while preserving necessary distances between terminals for reliable electrical connection and signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested-like overlapping arrangement where narrower terminals (second and third terminals) are positioned to overlap with wider terminals (first and fourth terminals) in the depth direction. This nesting approach allows efficient space utilization, maintaining terminal distances while minimizing overall connector dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminals of different sizes are arranged in the same row, then layout flexibility is improved, but maintaining uniform spacing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves spacing consistency issues by transitioning from two-dimensional row-based arrangement to three-dimensional overlapping arrangement. Terminals with different widths are distributed across multiple rows with controlled overlapping in the depth direction, maintaining uniform lateral spacing while accommodating size variations through depth-positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different positioning strategies to different terminal pairs based on their width characteristics. The first and fourth terminals (wider) are positioned with specific overlapping relationships, while the second and third terminals (narrower) are positioned accordingly. This localized quality approach maintains overall spacing consistency while accommodating local size variations.
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector, first, second, third and fourth terminals are disposed to satisfy conditions (A) and (B): (A) (a1) a left-end of the first terminal is positioned to left of a left-end of the fourth terminal, and a distance between the left-end of the first terminal and the left-end of the fourth terminal in a left-right direction is shorter than a first distance, or (a2) the left-end of the first terminal coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction, (B) (b1) a right-end of the second terminal is positioned to left of a right-end of the third terminal, and a distance between the right-end of the second terminal and the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than a second distance, or (b2) the right-end of the second terminal coincides with the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction.