Connector With Thick Power Contacts For High Current And Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors that increase the number of power source contacts to handle large currents result in increased dimensions and area occupancy on circuit boards, and fail to effectively enhance the current capacity without adding resistance.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with signal contacts and power source contacts, where the power source contacts have a thicker dimension than signal contacts, are pressed together by a pressure member, and include a fixation function to securely insert and fix the connected object, allowing for a large current flow without increasing the number of contacts, thus reducing resistance and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of power source contacts is increased to handle large currents, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the dimension of the connector and area occupied on the circuit board are enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the fixation function and power source contact functions into a single integrated power source contact structure. The power source contact includes a fixation portion that engages with the object to be connected and a contact portion that provides electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate fixation members and additional contacts, thereby maintaining compact dimensions while handling large currents
Solution Approach 2:
The power source contact is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for power transmission and also serves as a fixation mechanism to secure the object to be connected. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and prevents the connector from enlarging
2Power
If the number of power source contacts is increased to handle large currents, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the resistance value of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the power source contact, specifically increasing the thickness dimension of the contact portion compared to signal contacts. This increased thickness reduces the resistance value and allows the single power source contact to handle large currents effectively without increasing overall resistance
3Reliability
If separate fixation members are added to secure the object, then the fixation function is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is merged into the power source contact structure itself. The power source contact includes a fixation portion that engages with the object to be connected, eliminating the need for separate fixation members such as locking levers or snap-fit components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable fixation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a connector includes a housing having a fitting opening for the object to be connected, signal contacts retained in the housing in parallel disposition, a pressure member capable of pressing the signal contacts, and power source contacts. The power source contacts are retained besides the signal contacts, have a thickness dimension larger than that of the signal contacts and are to be pressed by the pressure member together with the signal contacts. The power source contacts include a power source contact with a fixation function, having not only the power source connection function but also a function of temporally fixing the object to be connected at a correct insertion position with respect to the signal contacts as well as a function of clamping and fixing the object to be connected in a state of being pressed by the pressure member.