Low-Profile Wire Connector for Opposing-Direction Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors often have substantial footprints, making them unsuitable for wire-to-wire connections, especially when wires extend in opposing directions, and integrating them with electronic components results in significant space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile wire connector with bent contact members that form a minimal footprint, allowing for efficient coupling to electrical components, featuring a base portion and two contact portions that bend towards a central axis, with slots for wire insertion and contact pads for soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to connect wires extending in opposing directions, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the connector footprint becomes substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portions are bent at angles (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the base portion, transitioning from a linear arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. This allows wires extending in opposing directions to be connected while reducing the horizontal footprint by utilizing vertical space, effectively moving the connection geometry into another dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is received within an aperture or recess of the electrical component, with the connector portions extending from within this recessed area. This nesting arrangement allows the connector to be integrated into the component's existing structure, minimizing the overall footprint while maintaining connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are integrated with electrical components, then wire-to-wire connections are facilitated, but the overall assembly height increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending connector portions perpendicular to the component surface (which would increase height), the portions are bent at angles within the plane of the component or at controlled angles that utilize lateral space. This dimensional reconfiguration maintains wire connection capability while minimizing the vertical profile of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact members are positioned at specific locations within the connector structure, with bending angles and positions optimized for local wire routing requirements. This localized optimization allows the connector to adapt to specific wire-to-wire connection needs without uniformly increasing the overall assembly height.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire connector includes a base portion, a first portion extending from a first side of the base portion, and a second portion extending from a second side of the base portion, the second side being opposite the first side. Each of the first portion and the second portion are bent relative to the base portion toward a central axis of the connector. Each of the first portion and the second portion includes a first contact member and a second contact member, each of the first contact member and second contact member being structured to bend toward the central axis of the connector.