Flat Circuit Board Connector Warping Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flat circuit board electrical connectors with a large number of terminals are prone to separation under external forces due to warping of the movable member, leading to contact failure between the terminal and the flat circuit board.

Innovation Solution

A flat circuit board electrical connector design featuring a housing with flat terminals, a movable member, a cam portion, and regulation metal fittings that regulate the movable member's position, preventing separation by engaging with a cam portion and a regulated portion on the same rotary axis, ensuring stable contact pressure and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of terminals is increased, then the connector can accommodate more connections, but the movable member becomes wider and more susceptible to warping under external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminalsVSAvoidstability of movable member
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the movable member into multiple independent sections, each supported by its own support section on the housing. This segmentation prevents the entire movable member from warping as a single unit, allowing each segment to maintain stability independently even when the overall width increases to accommodate more terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimensional solution by introducing support sections that extend from the housing into the movable member structure. This creates additional support points in the vertical dimension, preventing warping without requiring changes to the horizontal layout of terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the movable member is made wider to accommodate more terminals, then more connections are possible, but separation of the movable member occurs under external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminalsVSAvoidengagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local reinforcement by adding support sections at specific locations where the movable member is most susceptible to separation. Rather than uniformly strengthening the entire structure, support is provided locally at critical points, maintaining engagement stability without increasing overall width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by integrating the movable member with the housing through support sections. This composite design combines the movable insulative member with the rigid housing structure, creating a hybrid system that maintains stability while accommodating multiple terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If regulation metal fittings are added to prevent separation, then retention power is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention powerVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the regulation function directly into the existing support arms and housing structure. The support arms serve dual purposes: supporting the movable member and providing regulation engagement. This integration eliminates the need for separate regulation metal fittings, enhancing retention power while avoiding additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support arms are designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support of the movable member, regulation of its position, and prevention of separation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated regulation components, maintaining simplicity while achieving enhanced reliability.

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

The design effectively prevents separation of the movable member even under external forces, maintaining contact integrity with the flat circuit board and enhancing retention power without increasing the connector's size.

Implementation Method 1

an engaging portion is provided at least one of the support arms to engage with the cam portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a movable member for increasing a contact pressure between the contact arm and a flat circuit board inserted into a contact position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a regulation arm provided on the regulation metal fittings to regulate the regulated portion of the movable member such that the cam portion is engaged with the engaging portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical regulation: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS7300304B1Flat circuit board electrical connector
Publication Date: 2007.11.27 HIROSE ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US7300304B1 patent drawing
  • US7300304B1 patent drawing
  • US7300304B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A flat circuit board electrical connector includes a housing (20); a plurality of flat terminals supported having a pair of support sections (14, 16), a movable member (40) having a cam shaft (44), wherein when said movable member (40) is at said open position, said cam shaft (44) is inserted into a space between said support sections (14, 16); an engaging edge (16B) is provided at least one of said support sections (16) to engage with said cam shaft (44); a regulation metal fittings (30) provided in parallel with said terminals; a regulated island (45) provided on said movable member (40); a regulation arm (33) provided on said regulation metal fittings (30) to regulate said regulated island (45) of said movable member (40) such that said cam shaft (44) is engaged with said engaging edge (16B).