Dual-Gap Connector Socket for Mixed Terminal Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing relay terminal blocks require dedicated connectors for electronic parts with varying terminal shapes and sizes, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the complexity and variety of parts needed for connection.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a body part with two groups of connection parts, where the first connection part has contact elements arranged with a specific gap configuration to accommodate larger terminals, and the second connection part has a different gap configuration for smaller terminals, allowing for flexible connection of electronic parts with different terminal sizes, and is integrated into a socket to reduce the overall number of parts and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated connectors are used for electronic parts with different terminal shapes and sizes, then connection versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with multiple connection parts having different gap configurations, allowing a single connector to accommodate various terminal shapes and sizes. The first connection part has a first gap for larger terminals, while the second connection part has a second gap for smaller terminals, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into multiple connection parts, each with specific gap configurations tailored for different terminal types. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in connecting specific terminal sizes while remaining part of a unified connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple dedicated connectors are used for different terminal types, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple dedicated connectors for different terminal types are merged into a single multi-functional connector. The connector integrates first and second connection parts with different gap configurations, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise connection capabilities for various terminal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a unified connector design is used for all terminal types, then device complexity is reduced, but connection precision for specific terminal sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidconnection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs local quality by providing different gap configurations at different connection parts. The first connection part has a first gap optimized for larger terminals, while the second connection part has a second gap optimized for smaller terminals, ensuring precise connections for each terminal type within the unified connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3540873B1Connector and socket
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 OMRON CORP
  • EP3540873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540873B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure provides a connector that can connect electronic parts in different shapes and sizes. The connector includes a body part, a first connection part, and a second connection part. The body part is attached to a socket. The first connection part and the second connection part are arranged side by side along a first direction and connected to the body part respectively. The first connection part has a first contact part and a second contact part that are disposed opposite to each other with a gap in a second direction. The second connection part has a third contact part and a fourth contact part that are disposed opposite to each other with a gap in the second direction. A shortest distance between the first contact part and the second contact part is set greater than a shortest distance between the third contact part and the fourth contact part.