Double-Sided Card Edge Connector Offset Terminal Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional double-sided card edge connectors require multiple types of terminal components with offset contacting portions, increasing the risk of assembly errors and management complexity.

Innovation Solution

A double-sided card edge connector design where terminal members with identical shapes are offset in the insertion direction, eliminating the need for multiple component types and reducing assembly complexity, while maintaining high terminal contact pressure and preventing incorrect assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple types of terminal components with offset contacting portions are used, then the terminal contact pressure can be increased, but the number of component types increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal contact pressureVSAvoidnumber of component types

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal member is segmented into two identical halves, each containing a contacting portion. These segmented identical components are then offset relative to each other during assembly, achieving the desired offset configuration without requiring multiple different component types. This segmentation allows the same component design to be reused while still achieving the functional benefit of offset contacting portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

While the terminal member components themselves are symmetric and identical, their arrangement creates an asymmetric offset configuration. The contacting portions of the two identical terminal members are positioned at different locations (offset) relative to the receptacle compartment, creating the necessary asymmetry in their spatial arrangement without requiring asymmetric or different component designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Force

If multiple types of terminal components with offset contacting portions are used, then the terminal contact pressure can be increased, but the risk of assembly error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal contact pressureVSAvoidassembly error risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the terminal member into two identical, interchangeable components, the risk of assembly error is reduced. Assembly workers can confidently install either component in either position since they are identical in design and function, eliminating the risk of installing the wrong component type and reducing assembly errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses homogeneous (identical) terminal member components throughout. This homogeneity ensures that all components have the same dimensions, features, and installation requirements, making them completely interchangeable and eliminating assembly errors that would arise from using different component types with different installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Force

If multiple types of terminal components with offset contacting portions are used, then the terminal contact pressure can be increased, but the time and effort for parts management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal contact pressureVSAvoidparts management time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the terminal member into identical reusable components means that only one type of component needs to be managed in inventory. This segmentation into identical units simplifies parts management significantly compared to managing multiple different component types, reducing the time and effort required for parts procurement, inventory control, and assembly preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identical terminal member components are universal and can be used in any position where a terminal member is required. This universality means that a single component design serves multiple functions and positions, eliminating the need to manage multiple specialized component types and significantly reducing parts management overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design ensures reliable assembly, reduces the number of components needed, and increases the protrusion of contacting portions, enhancing the connector's performance without increasing assembly time or error risk.

Implementation Method 1

a terminal member including contact pieces having spring characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring characteristics: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10164363B2Double-sided card edge connector

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 NIPPON TANSHI CO LTD

AI summary

To prevent an increase of the number of kinds of components required for offset arrangement, an increase in risk of assembly error and extra time and effort for parts management, in a connector including mutually facing terminal members with contacting portions being offset in the insertion direction. Mutually facing terminal members 20 are formed on components identical in shape. The mutually facing terminal members 20 are secured to a connector housing 12 while being offset in an insertion direction of a double-sided card edge 102 inserted into a receptacle compartment 14 of the connector housing 12.