Leaf-Spring Terminal Module for Sliding Contact Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal modules require separate coil springs and braided wires for contact point displacement, complicating the structure and increasing the need for additional components.
Innovation Solution
A terminal module with a case and a terminal fitting that includes a leaf spring portion cantilevered from a fixing portion, allowing contact points to slide against each other through deflection and deformation, eliminating the need for separate coil springs and braided wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate coil springs and braided wires are used for contact point displacement, then the contact points can be made to slide against each other, but the structure becomes complicated and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the coil spring and braided wire into a single integrated terminal fitting structure. The terminal fitting includes a flexible support portion that integrates both the elastic support function (previously coil spring) and the displacement guidance function (previously braided wire), thereby reducing component count while maintaining the sliding contact capability
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal fitting is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides elastic support for the contact point, guides the displacement direction, and enables the sliding motion against the mating contact point. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Ease of operation
If separate coil springs and braided wires are used, then contact point displacement is enabled, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete parts (coil spring, braided wire, terminal fitting) into an integrated terminal fitting structure that performs all necessary functions, thereby reducing the total quantity of parts while maintaining full operational capability for contact point displacement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables mutual sliding of contact points with a simplified structure, effectively removing external matter and ensuring stable electrical connection with enhanced contact pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the leaf spring portion being deflectably and deformably accommodated in the empty space, and the contact point portion being displaced toward the fixing portion and toward the one side in the plate thickness direction by deflection and deformation of the leaf spring portion when being pressed by the mating contact point
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal module (10) is provided with a case (22) and a terminal fitting (16) held in the case (22). The terminal fitting (16) includes a fixing portion (52) to be fixed to the case (22) and a leaf spring portion (54) cantilevered from the fixing portion (52) and deflectably and deformably accommodated in an empty space (20) of the case (22). A contact point portion (64) provided on a tip part (62) of the leaf spring portion (54) is displaced toward the fixing portion (52) and toward one side in a plate thickness direction by deflection and deformation of the leaf spring portion (54) when being pressed by a mating contact point (14).