Flexible Conductor Connector Assembly for Front-Back Surface Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors fail to electrically connect to flexible conductors when the conductors are exposed on the back surface of a connection target.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a cylindrical plug contact with a recess and an elastically deformable inner contact, where the flexible conductor is sandwiched between the inner surface of the recess and a pressing portion, allowing contact on either surface, ensuring electrical connection regardless of the conductor's exposure position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connector uses a conventional contact structure with the flexible conductor sandwiched between the housing and base member, then the connector can be simply structured, but the flexible conductor cannot be electrically connected when exposed on the back surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidcontact structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact is divided into two functional parts: a contact portion for electrical connection and a pressing portion for applying force. This segmentation allows the contact to adapt to different conductor positions (front or back surface exposure) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can electrically connect to flexible conductors regardless of whether they are exposed on the front surface or back surface of the connection target. The same contact structure achieves both front-surface and back-surface connectivity through its dual portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connector is designed to connect only to front surface exposed conductors, then the structure can be simplified, but the connector cannot connect to back surface exposed conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing portion extends in the direction opposite to the contact portion, allowing the contact to engage with the flexible conductor from the back surface side. This inverted configuration enables the same contact structure to work with both front-surface and back-surface exposed conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact structure utilizes the thickness dimension of the connection target by having portions extending in opposite directions. This dimensional approach allows the contact to reach both front and back surfaces, enabling versatility without significantly complicating the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the contact structure is made complex to accommodate both front and back surface connections, then electrical connection capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contact portion and pressing portion are merged into a single integrated contact structure rather than using separate components. This merging achieves the dual functionality of connecting to both front and back surface conductors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and reducing assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deformation capability of the contact allows it to self-adjust and make reliable electrical connection without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or additional components. The contact structure serves itself by using its own elasticity to ensure proper contact force and electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables reliable electrical connection to flexible conductors on both the front and back surfaces of a connection target, enhancing the versatility and functionality of smart clothing and wearable devices.

Implementation Method 1

an inner contact having conductivity and having an insertion portion in a cylindrical shape which is elastically deformable, which is inserted into the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4333215B1Connector and connector assembly

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD

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AI summary

A connector includes a cylindrical, elastically deformable insertion portion that is inserted into a recess of a plug contact, the insertion portion having a contact portion placed on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and a pressing portion placed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and on an opposite side to the contact portion across the fitting axis, part of a sheet-like connection target having a flexible conductor exposed on at least one surface being sandwiched between the pressing portion and an inner surface of the recess in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis, the inner surface of the recess contacting a front surface of the connection target, and the pressing portion contacting a back surface of the connection target.