Flat Flexible Cable Crimp Connector With Hooks And Barbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crimp connectors for flat flexible cables in conductive fluid sensing systems do not optimally engage with the cables, and extending the cable length by attaching another cable is challenging, necessitating an improved connector for effective fluid leak detection.
Innovation Solution
A crimp connector with hooks and a hingably mounted top clasp featuring internal barbs that securely hold and make electrical connections with uninsulated flat conductors, allowing for easy installation and secure engagement with the conductive fluid sensing circuit without the need for external tools or additional termination structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional crimp connector is used for flat flexible cable, then the connector structure is simple, but the engagement with the cable is not optimal and cable slippage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion with hooks for cable retention and a separate clasp assembly with barbs for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp assembly with barbs is nested within or integrated with the body portion containing hooks. The barbs are positioned to engage with the cable conductors while the hooks secure the cable body, creating a nested structure where multiple functions are combined in a compact arrangement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector design is simplified for easy manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to securely hold the cable and prevent slippage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hooks and barbs are designed to automatically engage with the cable and conductors during the crimping process without requiring additional retention mechanisms or complex assembly steps. The deformation of the clasp during crimping automatically positions the barbs to pierce the cable and establish electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes material deformation parameters during crimping - the clasp is deformed from an open state to a closed state, changing its shape and rigidity parameters. This allows the same component to provide both mechanical retention through hooks and electrical connection through barbs without requiring multiple parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables need to be connected to extend cable length, then cable flexibility increases, but the complexity of connecting multiple connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal functionality to connect with standard flat flexible cable configurations. The hooks and barbs arrangement can accommodate various cable widths and conductor configurations, allowing the same connector design to be used for cable extension applications without requiring specialized variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow for easy opening and closing during assembly and disassembly. The hinged or spring-loaded clasp mechanism enables repeated connection and disconnection of cables while maintaining secure engagement during operation, facilitating cable extension and reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments provide a crimp connector with hooks to hold a flat flexible cable (FFC). The crimp connector includes a bottom body and multiple hooks protruding outward from and coupled to the bottom body to hold the FFC. The crimp connector also includes a top clasp hingably mounted to the bottom body having multiple barbs internally mounted therein. Each of the barbs correspond with an uninsulated flat conductor of the FFC. In response to the top clasp engaging with the bottom body such that a slotted wedge of the top clasp presses the corresponding one of the first and second uninsulated flat conductors against the corresponding barbs, the crimp connector makes an electrical connection between each of the barbs and the corresponding one of first and second uninsulated flat conductors.