Integrated Metal Connector Casing for Ground Accuracy and Strength

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for camera modules, such as on-vehicle camera modules, face issues with insufficient strength, positional accuracy, increased components, and assembly complexity due to welding of outer conductors, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a metal casing that integrates a ground terminal part and a fitting part, enhancing strength and accuracy by eliminating gaps and reducing assembly steps through integral formation, with a cylindrical shape for aligned or intersecting insertion directions and a cover member for secure joining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ground terminal part and fitting part are joined by welding, then electrical connection is achieved, but strength is insufficient and positional accuracy varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidjoint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ground terminal part and fitting part are integrated into a single integral metal casing structure, eliminating the need for separate joining operations. This merging of components ensures both strong mechanical connection and reliable electrical continuity without the weaknesses of welded joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the ground terminal part is joined to the casing by welding, then electrical connection is established, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground terminal part and fitting part are merged into a single integral metal casing, reducing the number of separate components. This integration maintains electrical connection reliability while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If welding is used to join the ground terminal part and fitting part, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground terminal part and fitting part are manufactured as a single integral component, eliminating the welding process entirely. This integration significantly reduces assembly time and steps while ensuring reliable electrical connection through the continuous metal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the ground terminal part and fitting part are joined by welding, then connection is achieved, but gaps are formed and ground performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectionVSAvoidshape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ground terminal part and fitting part are formed as a single integral structure, eliminating gaps that would otherwise be created by joining operations. This ensures high manufacturing precision and optimal ground performance through continuous electrical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4243215A1connector
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4243215A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4243215A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4243215A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a connector that can achieve improvement in strength, improvement in shape accuracy, a reduction in the number of components, and a reduction in the number of steps required for assembly. A connector 100 for connecting an external substrate and an external cable to each other includes: a metal casing 110 having a ground terminal part 111 electrically connected to and fitted into an external substrate-side connector mounted to the substrate and a fitting part 112 into which the cable is fitted, and the ground terminal part 111 and the fitting part 112 are integrally formed.