Integrated Connector Terminal for Position Shift Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector devices require multiple components and a complex structure to accommodate position shifts between electrical contact portions, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a single-component terminal fitting that includes a device-side connecting portion and an electrical contact portion, allowing for relative displacement, and a resilient member to maintain contact stability, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supporting member and holding structure are added to accommodate position shifts, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the supporting member and holding structure into a single integrated component that performs both functions simultaneously. The holding structure incorporates built-in flexibility to support the electrical contact portion while accommodating position shifts, eliminating the need for separate supporting members and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure is designed with flexible portions that can dynamically deform to accommodate position shifts between connectors. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to misalignments while maintaining reliable electrical contact, improving connection reliability without requiring additional rigid supporting components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple members are joined to form the terminal fitting, then adaptability to position shifts is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal fitting is divided into distinct functional segments including a rigid portion for structural support and flexible portions for accommodating position shifts. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of manufacturing through modular construction and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material properties and geometric parameters within the terminal fitting design. Specific portions are designed with different flexibility characteristics, and the cross-sectional shapes are optimized to provide both structural integrity and adaptability to position shifts, achieving versatile functionality without complex manufacturing processes.
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
The solution achieves a reduction in the number of components and simplifies the structure while maintaining stable electrical connections by absorbing position shifts through displacement and resilient deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member to maintain contact stability... by absorbing position shifts through displacement and resilient deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A first connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure capable of electrically connecting a first connection terminal of a first in-vehicle device and a second electrical contact portion of a second in-vehicle device is provided with a first terminal fitting and a first connector housing for accommodating the first terminal fitting. The first terminal fitting includes a first device-side connecting portion connectable to the first connection terminal and a first electrical contact portion connectable to the second electrical contact portion and arranged on a side opposite to the first device-side connecting portion in a length direction of the first terminal fitting. The first electrical contact portion and the first device-side connecting portion are constituted by a single component. The first electrical contact portion is relatively displaceable with respect to the first device-side connecting portion.