Connector Terminal Spatial Offset Reduces Profile Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for circuit boards have a high profile due to the overlapping positions of contact points and coupling portions, which limits their compactness and effective mating performance.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where the coupling portion is positioned differently from the contact point, allowing for a lower profile by creating a larger space in the up-down direction, enabling secure accommodation of mating terminals while maintaining sufficient contact effective length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the coupling portion is positioned at the same location as the contact point, then the connector structure is simplified, but the profile height increases and mating terminal accommodation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the coupling portion at a different location than the contact point, utilizing spatial separation in multiple dimensions. Specifically, the coupling portion is arranged in a plane that is offset from the contact point's position, allowing the connector to achieve a lower profile while maintaining structural integrity and providing adequate space for mating terminal accommodation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the coupling portion is positioned at the same location as the contact point, then manufacturing is simplified, but the space for accommodating mating terminals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spatial separation by positioning the coupling portion at a location different from the contact point, creating sufficient volume and space for mating terminal accommodation. This dimensional arrangement ensures that the coupling portion does not interfere with the space required for proper mating terminal insertion and retention.
3Length of stationary object
If the connector profile is reduced, then compactness is improved, but the space for mating terminals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a reduced profile height while maintaining adequate mating terminal space by strategically positioning the coupling portion at a location different from the contact point. This spatial arrangement allows the connector to be more compact in the vertical direction while preserving sufficient volume for proper mating terminal accommodation through optimized spatial distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Along an up-down direction, a connector is mateable with a mating connector which includes a plurality of mating terminals each having a mating contact point. The connector comprises a plurality of terminals which are, at least in part, accommodated by a housing. The terminals are arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Each of the terminals has a first portion, a second portion and a coupling portion. The first portion includes a contact point and a guiding portion. The contact point is positioned apart from the second portion in a second direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the first direction. The contact point is in contact with the mating contact point while the mating contact point is positioned between the contact point and the second portion in the second direction in the mated state. The guiding portion is positioned above the contact point and guides the mating contact point towards the contact point upon the mating. The coupling portion couples the first portion with the second portion. The coupling portion is positioned at a position different from a position of the contact point in the first direction.