Electric Wire Connector With Circular Terminal Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric wire connectors for high-voltage circuits are bulky due to the need for separate space for electronic components, leading to increased size, cost, and weight.
Innovation Solution
A connector structure featuring terminals with arc-shaped extension portions that form a circular arrangement, eliminating the need for separate space for electronic components and simplifying the configuration, thereby reducing the connector's size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate space is provided for electronic component on upper side, lower side, or lateral side of terminals, then electronic component can be accommodated, but connector size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic component with the terminal arrangement by positioning the electronic component at the center of a circular arrangement of terminals. This integration eliminates the need for separate accommodation spaces on the upper side, lower side, or lateral sides of the terminals, thereby reducing the overall connector size while ensuring reliable electronic component placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear or planar terminal arrangement to a circular arrangement in a different spatial configuration. By arranging terminals in a circle with the electronic component at the center, the design utilizes radial space efficiently, accommodating the electronic component without increasing the connector's external dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If flat-plate terminals or rod-shaped terminals are arranged in parallel, then terminals can be connected to electric wires, but connector size increases in the direction of terminal arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional flat-plate or rod-shaped terminals arranged in parallel with arc-shaped extension portions that form a circular arrangement. This curved configuration allows terminals to be connected to electric wires while compacting the overall structure in the direction of terminal arrangement, reducing connector length.
3Area of stationary object
If connector size is reduced, then space is saved, but fabrication cost and weight may increase due to complex configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the terminal extension portions with arc shapes that serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection capability, form the circular arrangement structure, and create space for the electronic component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components or complex structures, thereby simplifying fabrication and reducing costs despite the compact size.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector structure includes a plurality of terminals to be connected to an electric wire, an electronic component configured to control an external component to be connected to the terminals, and a housing holding the terminals and the electronic component to accommodate the terminals and the electronic component. Each terminal includes a connection portion to be connected to the electric wire, and an extension portion having a cross section of an arc shape and extending from the connection portion. The housing is configured to hold the plurality of terminals and the electronic component such that the cross sections of the extension portions are arranged to form a substantially circular shape that surrounds the electronic component.