Integrated Connector Assembly for Low-Resistance Flexible Conductor Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for connecting electric wires to flexible conductors on sheet type conductive members result in higher electric resistance, increased size, and reduced reliability due to separable connection portions.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a first and second insulator with retaining surfaces and protrusion/recess portions, allowing the flexible conductor to make contact with the electric wire conductor portion within a recess, fixed by overlapping insulator surfaces, reducing size and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector with separate first and second connectors is used to connect electric wires to flexible conductors, then the connection can be established, but the device size increases and reliability decreases due to separable connection portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first connector and second connector into a single integrated connector body. The connector includes a single housing with an opening that receives both the flexible conductor and electric wire, eliminating the need for separate connectors and their interconnection. This integration removes the separable connection portion that caused reliability issues while simplifying the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If separate first and second connectors are used to connect electric wires to flexible conductors, then the connection can be established, but the device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single compact housing structure. The opening in the connector body simultaneously accommodates the flexible conductor and electric wire, providing ease of connection while minimizing the overall connector volume. This eliminates the need for multiple separate connector components that would increase device size.
3Reliability
If flexible conductor is used to create electric path from measurement site to wearable device, then connection can be established, but electric resistance increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive adhesive as an intermediary substance between the flexible conductor and the wearable device. This conductive adhesive provides a low-resistance electrical path that is more efficient than using only flexible conductor material. The adhesive mediator ensures reliable electrical connection while minimizing energy loss due to resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
The connector assembly includes: a sheet type conductive member including a flexible conductor; an electric wire; and a connector, in which the connector includes a first insulator including a first retaining surface and a second insulator including a second retaining surface, the sheet type conductive member includes a first sheet portion including a retained portion disposed on the first retaining surface and a second sheet portion disposed on the second retaining surface, a protrusion portion and the conductor portion of the electric wire are accommodated in a recess portion of the first insulator in a state where the conductor portion of the electric wire is disposed along a surface of the protrusion portion of the second insulator.