Flat Terminal Assembly with Elastic Layer for Compact Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elastic contacting terminal assemblies for connecting cables to circuit boards result in bulkier connectors due to the need for larger elastic components, increasing the overall size of the terminal assembly and connector.
Innovation Solution
A terminal assembly comprising a first and second flat terminal component with an elastic member connecting them, allowing the second terminal component to move relative to the first, enabling elastic contact while maintaining a compact size through the use of flat-shaped terminals and a hollow elastomer elastic member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size of the elastic component is increased to improve structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the size of the terminal assembly and connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin film elastic component (elastic layer) with thickness of 0.05-0.2mm that provides sufficient elastic force through its material properties rather than its size. The elastic layer is formed as a thin flexible film between the first and second contacting end parts, enabling elastic contact functionality while maintaining a compact terminal assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the elastic component by selecting specific materials (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer) with appropriate elastic moduli and tensile strengths. By optimizing the thickness parameter (0.05-0.2mm) and material composition, the elastic component achieves required structural strength without increasing the overall size of the terminal assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional elastic contacting is used to connect cable to circuit board, then elastic contact functionality is achieved, but the connector becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic contact functionality directly into the terminal structure by forming the elastic layer as an integral part of the terminal assembly between the first and second contacting end parts. This integration eliminates the need for separate bulky elastic components, achieving elastic contact adaptability while maintaining a compact connector shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin film elastic layer (0.05-0.2mm thickness) made of flexible materials (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer) to provide elastic contact functionality. This thin film approach enables the connector to adapt elastically to mating connectors while maintaining a sleek, compact shape without the bulkiness of conventional elastic components.
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 solution allows for elastic contact with a mating connector while reducing the size of the terminal assembly and electrical connector, maintaining structural strength without increasing the connector's size.
Implementation Method 1
The second terminal component is able to move toward or move away with respect to the first terminal component through the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a terminal assembly, which comprises a first terminal component, a second terminal component, and an elastic member. The first terminal component comprises a first flat terminal, which comprises a cable connecting end part and a first contacting end part. The second terminal component is disposed on one side of the first terminal component. The second terminal component comprises a second flat terminal including a second contacting end part and an electrical connecting end part. The first contacting end part is contacting with the second contacting end part. Two ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the first terminal component and the second terminal component. The second terminal component is able to move toward or move away with respect to the first terminal component through the elastic member. The first contacting end part is frictionally contacting with the second contacting end part.