Flexible Conductor Connector With Integrated Contact Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for connecting flexible conductors to wearable devices are large in size and increase electric resistance, making them costly and inefficient for forming electrical paths between measurement positions and attachment points.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a base member with a projection inserted into a contact's projection accommodating portion, sandwiching the flexible conductor, allowing for electrical connection without the need for separate fixing members, thus reducing size and improving conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fixing member is used to secure the contact to the base member, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member and contact are integrated into a single component. The contact includes an insertion portion that fits into a groove on the base member and a pressing portion that presses the flexible conductor, combining fixing and conduction functions in one element, thereby reducing connector size while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The contact serves multiple functions: it provides electrical conduction through its conductive body, secures the flexible conductor through its pressing portion, and attaches to the base member through its insertion portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing members, reducing overall connector size
2Loss of energy
If the connector size is reduced, then the electrical path efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is divided into distinct functional portions: an insertion portion with a groove for base member attachment, a pressing portion for securing the flexible conductor, and a conductive body for electrical conduction. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The contact utilizes elastic deformation of its pressing portion to generate pressing force against the flexible conductor. By changing the physical state from rigid to elastic, the contact can maintain reliable electrical connection in a compact design without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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 connector achieves a smaller form factor with low electric resistance, enabling reliable and cost-effective electrical connections between flexible conductors and electric wires, suitable for smart clothing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a projection formed to project on the first surface of the base member; and a contact including a projection accommodating portion of recess shape through which the projection of the base member penetrates
Implementation Method 2
with the flexible conductor being sandwiched therebetween, the contact is fixed to the base member by the deformed portion of the projection in a state where the root portion of the projection is accommodated in the projection accommodating portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector includes a base member and a contact connected to a connection object, a first surface of the base member making contact with a bottom surface of a sheet-like conductive member, the contact being fixed to the base member by a deformed portion of the projection in a state where a root portion of the projection is accommodated in a projection accommodating portion with the sheet-like conductive member being sandwiched therebetween, an inner peripheral surface of the projection accommodating portion making contact with a flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member, whereby the connection object is electrically connected to the flexible conductor via the contact.