Connector Terminal with Segmented Symmetric Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid cars experience heat buildup and potential sparking at contact points due to high electric current flow in electric connectors, which can lead to explosions.
Innovation Solution
A connector terminal design featuring two or more symmetrically arranged contact points with a bent portion and movable free ends, allowing for even heat dispersion across multiple contact points during electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high electric current is applied to the terminals, then the electric current flows through a single contact point, but an amount of heat generated from the contact point is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling terminal unit is divided into multiple contact points (first contact point and second contact point) instead of using a single contact point. This segmentation allows the electric current to be distributed across multiple contact points, reducing the heat generated at each individual contact point while maintaining the required power transmission capability.
2Device complexity
If a single contact point is used, then the structure is simple, but sparks may occur from the contact point which may result in an explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The contact interface is segmented into multiple contact points (first contact point between first coupling terminal and first connection terminal, second contact point between second coupling terminal and second connection terminal). This segmentation reduces the risk of sparking and explosion by distributing the electrical connection across multiple points, thereby improving safety while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Temperature
If multiple contact points are used, then heat dispersion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling terminal unit is segmented into multiple contact points achieved through symmetric arrangement of coupling terminals and connection terminals. The first coupling terminal part contacts with the first connection terminal part at a first contact point, and the second coupling terminal part contacts with the second connection terminal part at a second contact point. This segmentation improves heat dispersion while maintaining structural simplicity through symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling terminal unit employs symmetric arrangement where the first coupling terminal part and second coupling terminal part are symmetrically positioned, and similarly for the connection terminals. This symmetry allows multiple contact points to be achieved in a regular, simple pattern rather than requiring complex asymmetric structures.
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
Effectively disperses heat generated during electrical connections, preventing sparking and minimizing the risk of explosions while reducing the insertion force required for connection.
Implementation Method 1
The bent portion is positioned between the fixed end and the movable free end
Data Source
AI summary
A connector terminal includes a connection body terminal unit and a coupling terminal unit receiving the connection body terminal unit. The coupling terminal unit having an upper coupling terminal part symmetrically arranged with a lower coupling terminal part. Each of the upper and lower coupling terminal parts includes a fixed end, a free end, and a bent portion. The free end is movable and is positioned opposite the fixed end. The fixed end includes a plurality of contact points. The bent portion is positioned between the fixed end and the movable free end, and is disposed along a front side of each of the upper and lower coupling terminal parts.