Dual-Direction Battery Connector Debouncing via Segmented Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors with spring contacts are prone to debouncing events due to shock or impact, which can lead to unintended device resets or power downs, especially in critical applications, and existing solutions like bifurcated contacts require high contact forces that result in wear and are costly compared to blade contacts.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a singular contact structure featuring two portions oriented in transverse directions, allowing one portion to deflect and disconnect while the other remains in contact, reducing the need for high contact forces and manufacturing costs, similar to bifurcated contacts but with the reliability of blade contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bifurcated contact is used to prevent debouncing events, then reliability improves, but high contact forces are required causing wear and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is segmented into two separate blade contacts positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows each contact to independently respond to impact forces, eliminating the need for high contact forces while preventing debouncing.
Solution Approach 2:
The two blade contacts are asymmetrically positioned and oriented relative to each other and to the expected impact direction. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that during shock or impact, one contact remains engaged while the other may disengage, providing debouncing protection without requiring high contact forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a blade contact is used instead of bifurcated contact, then manufacturing cost decreases, but debouncing protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure uses two separate blade contacts (segmentation) rather than a single complex bifurcated contact, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining debouncing protection through the dual-contact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The two blade contacts are oriented in different directions (adding dimensional diversity), allowing them to respond to impact from different angles. This dimensional approach provides debouncing protection while using simple, easy-to-manufacture blade contact structures.
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
The dual-direction electrical connector effectively prevents debouncing events without requiring high contact forces, maintaining reliability and reducing manufacturing costs compared to traditional blade contacts.
Implementation Method 1
A first portion of the electrical contact is configured to deflect in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
A second portion of the electrical contact is configured to deflect in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector and an electronic device including the electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises a housing and an electrical contact. The housing includes a first wall oriented in a first direction, a second wall oriented in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction, and an aperture defined by the first wall and the second wall. The electrical contact is disposed within the aperture and has a singular structure with a first end and a second end opposite from the first end. A first portion of the electrical contact extends from the aperture in the second direction and is configured to deflect toward the first wall along the second direction. A second portion of the electrical contact extends from the aperture in the first direction and is configured to deflect toward the second wall along the first direction.