Vehicle Glass Connection Terminal With Crack-Resistant Solder Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection terminals fixed to conductive layers on glass plates for vehicles are prone to cracking when external forces are applied, potentially damaging the conductive layer or the glass plate.

Innovation Solution

A connection terminal design featuring an installation portion with a fixing surface, a rising portion extending away from the glass plate, a connection portion for power supply, and a solder with a protruding portion that spreads along the glass plate upon melting, enhancing adhesive strength and preventing cracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the connection terminal is fixed to the conductive layer via solder, then the connection terminal can be securely attached to the glass plate, but if external force is applied (cable pulled or terminal caught), cracks may form in the solder, conductive layer, or glass plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidcrack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The solder is configured to protrude from the fixing surface of the installation portion, creating a three-dimensional stress distribution structure. This protruding portion allows the solder to absorb external forces through deformation in multiple directions, preventing stress concentration that would otherwise cause cracking in the conductive layer or glass plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The solder's physical parameters are optimized with a Young's modulus of 10 to 50 GPa, providing a balance between rigidity for secure attachment and flexibility for shock absorption. This parameter range enables the solder to maintain strong bonding while accommodating external forces without cracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the solder is made rigid to ensure strong attachment, then the connection terminal is securely fixed, but the conductive layer and glass plate are more susceptible to cracking under external force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solder's Young's modulus is specifically controlled within the range of 10 to 50 GPa, optimizing the balance between bonding strength and stress absorption capability. This parameter range ensures the solder is rigid enough for secure attachment yet flexible enough to prevent stress concentration that leads to cracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portion of the solder acts as a pre-configured cushioning element that absorbs external forces before they can transmit to the conductive layer or glass plate. This design anticipates and mitigates the harmful effects of external forces before they cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 described connection terminal effectively prevents cracks in the conductive layer and glass plate even under external force applications, ensuring reliable and durable electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a solder attached to the fixing surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Implementation Method 2

fixing the installation portion to the conductive portion by melting the solder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the solder includes a protruding portion that protrudes from the fixing portion of the installation portion... prevent a crack from forming in the conductive layer and a glass plate even if an external force is applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS12224540B2Connection terminal
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO LTD
  • US12224540B2 patent drawing
  • US12224540B2 patent drawing
  • US12224540B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a connection terminal to be fixed to a conductive portion provided on a glass plate for a vehicle. The connection terminal includes an installation portion having a fixing surface to be fixed to the conductive portion, a rising portion that extends from the installation portion in a direction away from the glass plate, a connection portion that is connected to the rising portion and has a power supply portion configured to supply power, and a solder attached to the fixing surface, in which the solder includes a protruding portion that protrudes from the fixing surface of the installation portion.