Board Connector Terminal Structure Against Pull-Force Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional board-to-board connectors suffer from terminal deformation and damage when a strong pulling force is applied, leading to inability to reuse the connectors, especially with the miniaturization of connectors making it difficult to enhance terminal strength.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with an insulating material and a terminal integrated with the housing, including a conductive material, with a protrusion extending longitudinally and a terminal configuration that includes a plate portion, an opposing plate portion, a coupling portion, and a securing portion, where the securing portion is thinner than the plate portion and is covered by the insulating material, preventing rolling up and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized to reduce size and height, then the connector becomes more compact and cost-effective, but the terminal strength decreases making it susceptible to rolling up and deformation under pulling force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stepped portion that creates a multi-level structure in the vertical dimension. The first stepped portion is formed at the boundary between the plate portion and coupling portion, while the second stepped portion is formed at the boundary between the plate portion and securing portion. This dimensional change allows the terminal to resist pulling forces without increasing horizontal size, thus maintaining miniaturization while improving strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material is positioned to cover the securing portion and second stepped portion before the pulling force is applied. This preliminary positioning of the insulating material creates a protective structure that prevents the terminal from rolling up under subsequent pulling forces, addressing the strength issue without requiring a larger terminal structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the terminal structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost, then the production becomes more efficient, but the terminal becomes more susceptible to damage under pulling force
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is segmented into distinct functional portions: plate portion, coupling portion, and securing portion, with clear boundaries marked by stepped portions. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity. The stepped portions create natural reinforcement zones without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the conductive terminal material with the insulating material to create a composite structure. The insulating material covers the securing portion and stepped portions, creating a composite assembly that leverages the strength of both materials. This composite approach improves terminal durability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated construction.
3Length of moving object
If the securing portion is made thinner to reduce overall terminal thickness, then the connector achieves lower profile, but the terminal becomes more vulnerable to rolling up under pulling force
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating material serves as a cushioning element that is positioned beforehand to cover the securing portion and second stepped portion. This insulating material acts as a protective barrier that prevents the thin securing portion from rolling up under pulling forces, allowing the terminal to maintain its low profile while achieving the necessary structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal structure exhibits local quality variations through the stepped portions. The first stepped portion at the plate-coupling boundary and the second stepped portion at the plate-securing boundary create localized reinforcement zones. These local structural enhancements provide stability where needed while allowing the overall terminal to remain thin and low-profile.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a housing including an insulating material and a terminal integrated with the housing and including a conductive material, wherein the housing includes a protrusion extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector, the terminal includes a plate portion that extends in the vertical direction, the surface thereof exposed to one side surface of the protrusion; an opposing plate portion that extends in the vertical direction, the surface thereof exposed to another side surface of the protrusion; a coupling portion that couples the upper end of the plate portion and the upper end of the opposing plate portion; and a securing portion connected to the lower end of the plate portion, and a stepped portion is formed at the boundary of the surface of the plate portion and the surface of the coupling portion and the surface of the securing portion is covered by the insulating material.