Flat Conductor Connector Terminal Structure to Prevent Buckling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat conductor connectors face issues with terminal buckling during insertion, leading to improper contact between the terminal and the flat conductor.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes terminals with arm portions and elastic portions that guide the flat conductor smoothly, ensuring proper contact pressure and preventing buckling by dispersing stress and maintaining stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple terminal structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the terminal buckles during insertion causing improper contact
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into multiple functional segments: a support target arm portion supported on the housing wall, a first elastic portion for stress absorption, and a second elastic portion for contact. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function, preventing buckling while maintaining contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal incorporates elastic portions that can dynamically deform during insertion. The first elastic portion bends to absorb insertion stress, while the second elastic portion maintains flexible contact with the flat conductor, adapting to position variations and preventing buckling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid terminal structure is used, then the contact pressure is stable, but the terminal buckles during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure changes its physical parameters dynamically: the elastic portions change their curvature and deformation state during insertion. The first elastic portion changes from a straight to a bent state to absorb stress, while the second elastic portion maintains optimal contact pressure through controlled deformation.
3Device complexity
If the terminal extends straight backward, then the structure is simple, but it causes buckling upon flat conductor insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal incorporates curved elastic portions instead of straight segments. The first elastic portion has a curved shape that allows it to bend and absorb insertion stress, while the second elastic portion curves to maintain optimal contact angle with the flat conductor, preventing buckling.
4Strength
If the terminal is supported along its entire length, then the buckling is prevented, but the contact pressure with the flat conductor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the entire terminal length and concentrated on specific portions. The support target arm portion is supported on the housing wall, while the elastic portions remain free to deform and maintain contact pressure with the flat conductor through their elastic properties.
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 prevents terminal buckling and ensures consistent contact pressure, maintaining a stable connection between the flat conductor and terminals, thereby avoiding unexpected detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic portion extending from a back end of the support target arm portion and elastically displaceable in the thickness direction of the flat conductor without the support target arm portion supported on the wall portion
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic portion positioned on a receiving space side with respect to the first elastic portion, bent forward from a back end of the first elastic portion, and elastically displaceable in the thickness direction of the flat conductor, and the second elastic portion has a contact portion contactable with the flat conductor with contact pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flat conductor electric connector includes: a housing with a receiving space open to a back such that the flat conductor is inserted forward into the housing; and multiple terminals arrayed and held on the housing with plate surfaces of the terminals at right angle to a terminal array direction, wherein each terminal has an arm portion with a support target arm portion on an inner surface of a wall portion extending in a front-back direction, and with an arm portion having a first portion extending from a back end of the support target arm portion and elastically displaceable in a thickness direction of the flat conductor, and a second portion, on a receiving space side from the first elastic portion, being bent forward from a back end of the first portion, being elastically displaceable in the thickness direction, and having a contact portion contactable with the flat conductor.