Two-Row Connector Terminal Layout for Wire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors and cable assemblies do not efficiently align the arrangement of terminals with the arrangement of electric wires, leading to suboptimal connection structures and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with terminals arranged in two rows and distal portions aligned in a specific direction, allowing for improved alignment with the electric wires, and a connection structure that aligns corresponding terminals of two connectors for enhanced electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If terminals are arranged in two rows to match the cable's electric wire arrangement, then the alignment between terminals and electric wires is improved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-row terminal arrangement to a two-row terminal arrangement that mirrors the cable's electric wire layout. This dimensional reorganization allows terminals to align precisely with corresponding electric wires in two dimensions, improving connection precision while maintaining structural manageability through systematic positioning.
2Device complexity
If distal portions of terminals are arranged in a single direction, then the connection structure is simplified, but interference between adjacent terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where distal portions of terminals in the same row are offset from each other in the third direction (orthogonal to both the terminal extending direction and the row arrangement direction). This asymmetric, staggered arrangement prevents parallel alignment of distal portions, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining a relatively simple overall connection structure.
3Reliability
If connecting portions are arranged in two rows to match electric wires, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the main portions of terminals become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the terminal structure into distinct functional segments: connecting portions arranged in two rows for reliable electrical connection to corresponding electric wires, and main portions that extend in a unified direction with simplified geometry. This segmentation allows the connecting portions to optimize for connection reliability while the main portions maintain structural simplicity, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector including a body and first to fourth terminals partly held therein. Connecting portions of the first and second terminals are arranged and spaced along a second direction; ditto for connecting portions of the third and fourth terminals. The connecting portions of the first and third terminals are arranged and spaced along a third direction; ditto for the connecting portions of the second and fourth terminals. Main portions of the first and second terminals each extend from the corresponding connecting portion in a direction including a component of one side in the third direction. Main portions of the third and fourth terminals each extend from the corresponding connecting portion in a direction including a component of the other side in the third direction. Distal portions of the first to fourth terminals each extend from the corresponding main portion and are arranged and spaced along the second direction.