Flexible Electrical Connector for Angled Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors often require multiple installations, increasing the likelihood of wire crossing issues due to connectors being in close proximity and having terminals at opposing angles, which complicates the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrical connector design featuring a first portion with multiple channels and a second portion with one or more channels, connected by a flexible region that can adjust to be parallel or at an angle, allowing for versatile mounting and alignment with mounting surfaces, including alignment features for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single connectors are installed to connect terminals with varying orientations, then the connection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and likelihood of wire crossing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated connector body that can connect to multiple terminals with varying orientations. The connector includes a first portion with first terminals and a second portion with second terminals, where the second portion can be positioned at an angle relative to the first portion, allowing one connector to perform the function of multiple separate connectors while reducing overall complexity and wire crossing issues
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functional capability to connect to terminals in different orientations and configurations. The flexible positioning of the second portion relative to the first portion enables the single connector to adapt to various terminal arrangements, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized connectors
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single connectors are installed in close proximity, then the connection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing precision and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connector functions into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate installations that require precise alignment. The single connector body with its angled second portion can accommodate multiple terminals while maintaining consistent alignment references, thereby improving manufacturing precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminals are positioned at opposing angles, then the adaptability to different terminal configurations is improved, but the ease of operation and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates dynamic positioning capability where the second portion can be positioned at an angle relative to the first portion. This dynamic configuration allows the connector to adapt to terminals at opposing angles while maintaining ease of operation, as the angled design is built-in and requires no complex adjustment during installation
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical connectors that contain a flexible region are provided. In one embodiment, a connector has a first portion that includes several channels and a second portion that has one or more channels. One or more of the channels may include conductors for electrical connections. The connector further comprises a flexible region that is configured to flexibly connect the first portion with the second portion. Further aspects of the invention relate to connection systems that include a connector having a flexible region. The connection system comprises a connector and an element, such as a connecting block, having one or more mounting surfaces. An alignment feature may be used to align the connector block with a connector.