Integrated Joint Terminal Guide Structure for Compact Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint connectors require a separate housing, leading to increased size when connecting, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A joint terminal made of a metal plate material with a base portion, projecting connecting portions, and a guide portion that surrounds the connecting portions, allowing for connection without the need for a housing, formed by bending the plate material to include a first, second, and third plate portion for guiding and locking the mating connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate housing is used to accommodate the busbar and connector, then the connection structure is complete and functional, but the overall size of the joint connector is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is integrated directly into the busbar structure, merging the previously separate housing function with the busbar itself. This eliminates the need for a separate housing component while maintaining the guiding and accommodating functions, thereby reducing the overall size of the joint connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion serves multiple functions: it guides the connector during insertion, accommodates the connector in the correct position, and provides structural support. By making the busbar multi-functional, the design eliminates the need for separate housing components, resolving the size enlargement issue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a housing is used to guide and protect the connecting portions, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function previously performed by a separate housing is merged into the busbar structure through the guide portion. This integration reduces the number of components from two (busbar + housing) to one (integrated busbar with guide portion), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar is segmented into functional portions including the guide portion that extends in the front-rear direction. This segmentation allows the busbar to perform multiple functions including guiding, supporting, and connecting, eliminating the need for separate housing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to provide a joint terminal enabling connection while suppressing enlargement. A joint terminal (10) is made of a metal plate material and provided with a base portion (26), a plurality of connecting portions (27) projecting forward from the base portion (26), and a guide portion (38) extending in a front-rear direction while surrounding the plurality of connecting portions (27). A mating connector (90) is fit to the guide portion (38).