Lamp Strip Connector Terminal Structure Against Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connector plugs for LED light strips are prone to deformation and incomplete contact due to the design requiring the extension block and conductive terminals to be inserted together, leading to potential loosening issues.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly utilizing a contact arm and extension arm to cover the extension portion, enhancing the strength of the plug-in terminal, and incorporating an insulating block to prevent deformation and incomplete contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the extension block and conductive terminals are inserted into the lamp tube together, then the connector plug can be assembled, but the conductive terminals are prone to deformation and incomplete contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector assemblyVSAvoidcontact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector plug is divided into separate components: the extension block and the conductive terminal are no longer inserted together as a unit. Instead, the conductive terminal is inserted into the lamp tube first, followed by the extension block, allowing independent positioning and reducing mutual interference during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the extension block and the conductive terminal. This guide structure includes a guide groove on the extension block that aligns with a guide protrusion on the lamp tube, ensuring proper positioning and preventing deformation during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the extension block and conductive terminals are inserted together, then the connector can be assembled, but loosening and incomplete contact occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidcontact precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure is designed in advance on the extension block, with the guide groove pre-formed to receive the guide protrusion of the lamp tube. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during insertion, the components automatically align in the correct position, preventing loosening and incomplete contact without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conductive terminals are inserted into the lamp tube, then electrical connection is established, but deformation and loosening occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidterminal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure acts as a mediator that protects the conductive terminal during insertion. The guide groove and guide protrusion work together to guide the terminal into the correct position, preventing lateral forces that would cause deformation, while ensuring complete contact with the lamp tube for reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide structure is designed to absorb and distribute insertion forces before they reach the conductive terminal. By providing a predefined insertion path through the guide groove and protrusion, the structure cushions against misalignment and excessive force that would otherwise cause terminal deformation or loosening.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4611181A1Connector assembly
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SUZHOU OPPLE LIGHTING
  • EP4611181A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611181A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611181A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present application provides a connector assembly, comprising: a socket, comprising a housing and a conductive terminal; and a plug, used for docking with the socket and comprising an insulating body and a plug-in terminal, wherein the insulating body comprises a base portion and an extension portion formed by extending from the base portion in a direction away from the socket. The plug-in terminal comprises a docking portion which is docked with the conductive terminal and a contact portion electrically connected to a lamp strip. The contact portion comprises a contact arm electrically connected to the lamp strip and an extension arm formed by bending and extending from one end of the contact arm. The extension portion is at least partially covered by the contact arm and the extension arm. Compared to the prior art, the connector assembly of the present application uses the contact arm and the extension arm to cover the extension portion in order to enhance the strength of the plug-in terminal, so that the plug-in terminal will not be deformed, thereby avoiding situations such as incomplete contact and looseness.