Longitudinal Segmented Power Connector Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face challenges in ensuring high contact reliability between terminals, particularly when handling higher current capacities required for power source terminals, which can lead to increased complexity and size due to the need for multiple terminals.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features a socket and header with signal and power source terminals arranged in a longitudinal direction, utilizing tongues and recesses on the power source terminals to enhance contact points and locking mechanisms, ensuring reliable electrical connections while minimizing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple terminals are used to handle higher current capacities for power source terminals, then current transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power source terminal is divided into multiple contact points along its length, with each contact point making contact with a corresponding contact point on the mating terminal. This segmentation allows the terminal to handle higher current capacities through distributed contact areas while maintaining a single integrated terminal structure, thus improving power transmission without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-contact terminals to line-contact terminals by arranging multiple contact points along the longitudinal direction of the terminal. This dimensional change from 0D point contact to 1D line contact increases the effective contact area and current handling capability without significantly increasing the terminal's footprint or structural complexity.
2Power
If multiple terminals are used to handle higher current capacities, then current transmission capability is improved, but terminal size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source terminal incorporates multiple contact points segmented along its longitudinal axis, allowing current to be distributed across multiple smaller contact areas rather than requiring one large terminal. This segmentation enables high current transmission capability while maintaining a compact terminal size, as each contact point is small but their collective area handles the required current load.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging contact points along the longitudinal direction (one dimension) rather than expanding the terminal's cross-sectional area (two dimensions), the patent achieves increased current transmission capability without proportionally increasing terminal volume. The linear arrangement of contact points maximizes contact area within a compact footprint.
3Reliability
If conventional terminal contact design is used, then assembly is simple, but contact reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal contact structure is segmented into multiple contact points with corresponding recesses on the mating terminal. This segmentation creates multiple simultaneous contact interfaces, where each contact point-recess pair contributes to overall contact reliability. The distributed contact architecture ensures that if one contact point experiences wear or degradation, other contact points maintain reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point contact to multi-point line contact along the longitudinal direction. This dimensional change increases the effective contact area and distributes mechanical and electrical stresses across multiple interfaces, thereby improving contact reliability without requiring overly complex terminal structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If repetitive insertion and removal operations are performed, then connector versatility is improved, but friction and wear increase reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple contact points segmented along the terminal distribute mechanical wear across multiple interfaces during insertion and removal operations. Instead of concentrating stress at a single contact point, the segmented structure allows wear to be distributed evenly across all contact points, extending the service life of the connector while maintaining full reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging contact points along the longitudinal direction, the patent creates a distributed contact architecture that reduces stress concentration at any single interface. This linear distribution of contact points allows the connector to withstand repeated insertion and removal cycles with reduced friction and wear at each individual contact point, thereby extending service life while maintaining connector versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is configured such that a socket housing (31) is engaged with a header housing as to cause a socket-side signal terminal (32) to contact a header-side signal terminal and as to cause a socket-side power source terminal (33) to contact a header-side power source terminal. The socket-side signal terminal (32) and the socket-side power source terminal are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the socket housing (31). In the socket-side power source terminal and the header-side power source terminal, contact points to contact each other are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the socket housing (31). Tongues (35, 36) are formed in the socket-side power source terminal (33). The contact points are provided at the tongues (35, 36), respectively.