Latch Housing Connector Layout for Higher Current Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electrical systems with varying current requirements leads to an increase in the variety of connectors, resulting in higher production and inventory costs due to fixed rated current specifications in busbar connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with upright portions, wing portions, and a latch system that allows for adjustable conductive terminal arrangements, including a locking mechanism and staggered protruding portions to enhance heat dissipation and structural stability, while accommodating different current levels without increasing physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of conductive terminals in connectors increases to meet increasing current demand, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the physical size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where conductive terminals are positioned within the housing structure, with terminals nested between upright portions and wing portions. The contacting portions of terminals extend into a trench formed by upright portions, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes current capacity within limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending contacting portions of conductive terminals in multiple directions - some extend horizontally into the trench, others extend vertically or at angles. This multi-dimensional positioning allows increased terminal density without proportionally increasing the connector's external footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the variety of connectors increases to accommodate different current requirements, then the adaptability to different systems is improved, but the production and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal housing structure with standardized upright portions, wing portions, and latch mechanisms that can accommodate multiple conductive terminal configurations. The same basic housing design can serve different current requirements by simply changing the number, arrangement, or specification of conductive terminals installed, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector into modular components - a standardized housing unit and interchangeable conductive terminal sets. This segmentation allows the housing to remain constant while terminal configurations vary, enabling flexible adaptation to different current requirements through simple terminal replacement rather than requiring entirely different connector models.
3Area of stationary object
If the conductive terminals are arranged densely to reduce spatial interference, then the space utilization is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized cooling zones by positioning upright portions and wing portions to form trenches and channels around conductive terminals. These structural elements create localized airflow paths that enhance heat dissipation specifically at terminal locations without requiring increased overall connector volume. The latch mechanism and extending portions also create additional localized ventilation channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing, a first conductive terminal set, and a second conductive terminal set. The housing includes a bottom portion, two upright portions, two wing portions, a limiting portion, an extending portion, and a latch. The two upright portions extend in parallel from the bottom portion. The two upright portions jointly define a trench. The extending portion extends from a side surface of the bottom portion and is connected to one of the two wing portions. The extending portion has a latch channel. The wing portion has a through hole and communicates with the latch channel. A latch is slidably accommodated in the latch channel and is configured to partially pass through the through hole. The first conductive terminal set and the second conductive terminal set are accommodated in an accommodating space of the housing and respectively extend adjacent to the two upright portions.