Coupled Terminal Row Connector for Stable Lateral Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors experience unreliable contact between terminals and mating terminals when a mating connector is moved in the width direction due to uneven contact forces, leading to potential disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes two terminal rows with terminals arranged perpendicular to the width direction, each having a press-fit portion, supporting portion, and coupled portion, coupled by insulative coupling portions, ensuring consistent contact even when the mating connector is moved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If terminals are arranged in two terminal rows held by side wall portions, then the connector structure is simplified, but contact reliability deteriorates when the mating connector is moved in the width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent terminal rows, each held by separate side wall portions. Each terminal row can independently maintain contact with its corresponding mating terminals, so that movement in one direction does not affect the other row's contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each terminal is equipped with a resilient supporting portion that provides localized elastic support. This allows each terminal to independently adjust and maintain contact force with its mating terminal, ensuring reliable contact even when the mating connector moves in the width direction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If terminals are held by side wall portions connected by connection portions, then structural stability is improved, but contact force uniformity deteriorates when subjected to lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion of each terminal is designed to be resilient rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust and maintain uniform contact force. The elastic properties enable the terminal to compensate for lateral movements while maintaining stable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portions are designed with specific flexibility parameters that allow controlled movement. This enables the structure to maintain overall stability while accommodating lateral movements without compromising contact force uniformity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises a housing, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of coupling portions. The terminals form two terminal rows. In each of the two terminal rows, the terminals are arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to a width direction. The terminals of one of the two terminal rows respectively correspond to the terminals of a remaining one of the two terminal rows. Each of the terminals has a press-fit portion, a supporting portion, a contact point and a coupled portion. The supporting portion extends from the press-fit portion. The coupled portion extends from the contact point. Each of the coupling portions is made of insulator. Each of the coupling portions couples the coupled portion of the terminal of the one of the terminal rows with the coupled portion of the corresponding terminal of the remaining one of the terminal rows in a direction perpendicular to the pitch direction.