Connector Terminal Fitting Structure to Block Solder Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with solder material adhering to the leading end of the contact pin, compromising electrical connection reliability due to insufficient height difference between the soldering and bulging portions of the terminal fittings.
Innovation Solution
A terminal fitting design with a protruding portion that intersects the lengthwise direction, featuring an inclined portion and ribs to prevent solder material from reaching the partner connection portion, ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the height difference between the soldering tine portion and the bulging portion is small, then the terminal fitting structure is compact, but the soldering material flows to the contact pin side compromising electrical connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal fitting is divided into multiple functional portions: a soldering tine portion for board connection, a bulging portion for housing attachment, and a contact pin portion. The protruding portion acts as a segmentation barrier that divides the potential flow path of soldering material, preventing it from reaching the contact pin while maintaining the compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion serves as an intermediary element between the soldering tine portion and the contact pin portion. It acts as a physical barrier that intercepts soldering material flow, protecting the contact pin from solder adhesion while allowing the compact design to be maintained.
2Reliability
If the protruding portion is added to prevent solder material flow, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion is integrated into the terminal fitting as a single monolithic component rather than a separate part. This merging of the barrier function into the main body allows the protruding portion to be formed simultaneously with the other terminal fitting features during the same manufacturing process, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal fitting is designed with specific geometric parameters for the protruding portion, including its height, width, and position relative to other features. By optimizing these parameters, the protruding portion effectively blocks solder flow while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes and assembly requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal fitting (60, 60C, 60D, 60E) includes a partner connection portion (61) to be connected to a partner's conductor, in a portion on one end side in the lengthwise direction of the terminal fitting, a housing attachment portion (62) to be attached to a housing (20) at an intermediate position in the lengthwise direction of the terminal fitting, a board connection portion (66) to be connected to a circuit board (100) through soldering, in a portion on the other end side in the lengthwise direction, and a protruding portion (68, 68D) that protrudes, from a position between a housing attachment portion (62) and a board connection portion (66), in a direction that faces a circuit board (100) and intersects the lengthwise direction.