Integrated Housing Connector Suppressing Circuit Board Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic circuit units, the relative displacement of case members due to bending forces can cause external forces to act on the circuit board, leading to potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a housing that integrates terminal holding portions with the board accommodating portion, reducing external forces on the circuit board by suppressing deformation through the rigidity of the housing, and featuring a slit-like board insertion opening and resilient contact pieces to guide terminal fittings without butting against the circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the case is composed of two separate case members, then the structure is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the relative displacement of case members under bending force causes external forces to act on the circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidexternal force on circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first and second case members into a single integrated housing structure. The housing includes a first case member and a second case member that are unified into one piece, eliminating the interface between separate components. This integration prevents relative displacement under bending forces, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of external forces being transmitted to the circuit board while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integral molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If terminal holding portions are separate from the board accommodating portion, then assembly is simpler, but deformation occurs when external forces tilt the terminal holding portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the terminal holding portions with the board accommodating portion into a unified housing structure. The terminal holding portions are formed as integral parts of the housing, specifically as protrusions from the first and second case members. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while providing rigid structural support that prevents deformation when external forces are applied, thereby simultaneously achieving ease of manufacture and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the housing is made more rigid to suppress deformation, then external forces on the circuit board are reduced, but the board insertion opening becomes more difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal force on circuit boardVSAvoidease of board insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a slit-like board insertion opening in the housing that provides adequate access for board installation. The opening is positioned and dimensioned to allow easy insertion while maintaining the overall rigidity of the housing structure. The housing's rigid construction suppresses deformation under external forces, and the strategically designed opening ensures ease of operation without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11482804B2Connector and board unit
Publication Date: 2022.10.25 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US11482804B2 patent drawing
  • US11482804B2 patent drawing
  • US11482804B2 patent drawing

AI summary

It is aimed to reduce an external force acting on a circuit board. A connector (10) is provided with a housing (12) including a board accommodating portion (13), a circuit board (42) accommodated in the board accommodating portion (13), a first terminal holding portion (26) formed in the housing (12) to be integrated with the board accommodating portion (13), a second terminal holding portion (30) formed in the housing (12) to be integrated with the board accommodating portion (13) and second terminal fittings (52) connected to the circuit board (42) while being held in the second terminal holding portion (30).