Connector Terminal Multi-Directional Insertion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector terminals restrict the insertion direction of terminals due to their four-cornered socket housing design, limiting the number of possible insertion directions to three.
Innovation Solution
A connector terminal design featuring a single plate with paired flat plate portions and a support portion that allows insertion from various directions, including 180 or 360 degrees, by using a fitting protruding and recess portion mechanism to prevent separation and enhance stiffness without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the socket housing is formed into a chassis with four corners linked by link portions, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the number of insertion directions is limited to three
Solution Approach 1:
The socket housing is divided into a body portion and separate link portions. The link portions are detachably connected to the body portion, allowing the structure to be segmented and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the link portions to be positioned in different orientations, thereby increasing the number of possible insertion directions beyond the traditional three, while maintaining structural integrity through the detachable connection mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the link portions are detachably connected to the body portion, then the insertion directions are increased, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The link portions are pre-formed with specific connection structures that enable detachable attachment to the body portion. These pre-configured connection mechanisms ensure that when the link portions are attached, they form stable connections that maintain structural integrity. The preliminary design of the connection structures allows for multiple insertion directions while ensuring that once assembled, the overall structure remains stable and reliable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A connector terminal comprises: an electrical conductive portion 3 connected with an electrical conductive member; and a connection portion 7 integrally provided with the electrical conductive portion 3, the connection portion 7 including: a pair of flat plate portions 11, 13 opposed to one another to form an insertion portion 9 into which a corresponding terminal 5 is inserted; a support portion 17 provided in middle portions of the paired flat plate portions 11, 13, the support portion 17 restricting the paired flat plate portions 11, 13 from moving in directions in which they separate from one another when the corresponding terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion portion 9, and a plurality of contact portions 15 provided around the support portion 17 in the paired flat plate portions 11, 13, the contact portions 15 elastically contacting with the corresponding terminal 5 to be electrically connected thereto.