Connector Terminal Orthogonal Spanning for Lopsidedness Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with lopsidedness between movable and fixed housings due to dimensional variations, leading to potential short circuiting as they are miniaturized to accommodate smaller electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features signal terminals and power source terminals that span between the fixed and movable housings in orthogonal directions, allowing for elastic deformation to correct distance variations and prevent lopsidedness, while maintaining sufficient spacing to avoid short circuiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to accommodate smaller electronic components, then the miniaturization requirement is met, but the distance between terminals decreases leading to potential short circuiting due to tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions power source terminals at orthogonal directions (front and rear sides) relative to the array direction of signal terminals, rather than placing them adjacent in the same plane. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension maintains adequate spacing between power and signal terminals even when the connector is miniaturized, preventing tracking and short circuits while meeting size reduction requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If dimensional tolerance and assembly tolerance of individual contacts are not controlled, then manufacturing ease is improved, but lopsidedness arises in the movable region of the movable housing with respect to the fixed housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the terminal structure into distinct segments: signal terminals arranged in an array spanning between first side walls, and power source terminals positioned at orthogonal directions spanning between second side walls. This segmentation allows each group of terminals to be independently positioned and controlled, enabling the movable housing to accommodate dimensional variations without creating lopsidedness, as each segmented group maintains its spatial relationship independently
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning power source terminals at orthogonal directions rather than in the same array direction as signal terminals, the patent creates independent spatial dimensions for different terminal groups. This dimensional separation allows the movable housing to move and adjust in the array direction without creating lopsidedness, as the orthogonal power terminals provide a stable reference frame that compensates for dimensional tolerances
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
This design effectively prevents lopsidedness and short circuiting by allowing for elastic movement and maintaining terminal spacing, even when the connector components are miniaturized.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable first elastic portion positioned between the first connection portion and the first contact portion... an elastically deformable second elastic portion positioned between the second connection portion and the second contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a fixed housing provided with a first side wall extending along an array direction of plural signal terminals, and a second side wall extending along an array-orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both a fitting direction and the array direction. Each of the signal terminals spans between the first side wall and a movable housing, and a power source terminal span between the second side wall and the movable housing.