Flexible Wiring Connector Hooks Offset for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible integrated wiring connectors face deflection and deformation issues when used in bent configurations, leading to potential electrical reliability problems and fitting failures due to insufficient reaction force and clearance constraints with printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

A flexible integrated wiring connector design featuring engagement hooks with a narrower width than engagement holes, tapered portions, and flexible arm portions that engage with holes to stabilize the terminal portion and prevent deflection, eliminating the need for a cover and reducing component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover is used to press the terminal portion against the mounting surface, then contact stability is improved, but device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement hooks are integrated directly into the mounting surface structure, combining the functions of the mounting surface and the pressing mechanism into a single component. This eliminates the need for a separate cover while maintaining the contact stability function through the offset engagement hooks that provide both mounting and pressing actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing function is extracted from a separate cover component and transferred to the engagement hooks integrated in the mounting surface. The engagement hooks provide the necessary pressing force through their offset positioning, eliminating the need for a dedicated cover component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Length of moving object

If the width between engagement hooks is reduced, then fitting clearance with printed circuit boards is improved, but engagement stability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidth between engagement hooksVSAvoidengagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement hooks are positioned with different widths in different regions: the first and second engagement hooks have a narrower width suitable for fitting clearance constraints, while the third and fourth engagement hooks are offset to provide sufficient engagement stability. This local variation in dimensions optimizes both fitting clearance and engagement stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement hooks are arranged asymmetrically with offset positioning in the insertion direction. The third and fourth engagement hooks are offset from the first and second engagement hooks, creating an asymmetric pattern that provides both narrow overall width for fitting clearance and sufficient local engagement points for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible integrated wiring is used in a bent state, then adaptability to wiring layout is improved, but terminal portion deflection and deformation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring layout adaptabilityVSAvoidterminal portion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement hooks are positioned to provide preliminary engagement and stabilization of the terminal portion before the flexible integrated wiring is fully inserted or bent. The offset engagement hooks create initial contact points that prevent deflection and deformation during the bending process, maintaining terminal stability even when the wiring is used in bent states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9337560B2Connector having a mounting surface with engagement hooks offset from each other in an insertion direction of a flexible integrated wiring
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A flexible integrated wiring connector is used when a terminal portion of a flexible integrated wiring is inserted into and connected to a connector of a connection counterparty. The flexible integrated wiring connector includes a mounting surface on which the terminal portion is mounted; and a pair of engagement hooks which are formed respectively on both end sides of the mounting surface in a widthwise direction. The pair of engagement hooks engage with a pair of engagement holes which are bored respectively on both end sides of the terminal portion in the widthwise direction.