Shape Memory Alloy Terminal Contact for Zero-Force Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charging plug terminals require insertion force and mechanical tools for mounting, leading to low efficiency and inconvenient operation.

Innovation Solution

A terminal with memory function featuring radially expandable and contractible contact claws made of memory alloy, which expands at room temperature for easy insertion and contracts during use to enhance contact reliability and efficiency, combined with a tellurium copper alloy for improved conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical structures such as elastic pieces and bolt tightening are used for terminal contact, then contact reliability is ensured, but insertion force is required and mounting becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidmounting convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes temperature-induced phase transformation of memory alloy to change the physical state of contact claws. At room temperature, contact claws are in martensite phase with low strength allowing easy insertion. During operation, temperature rise transforms them to austenite phase with high strength ensuring reliable contact, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and contact reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs phase transition of memory alloy material between martensite and austenite phases based on temperature changes. The contact claws automatically transition from soft state during insertion to hard state during operation, eliminating the need for insertion force while maintaining contact reliability without mechanical fastening structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Force

If mechanical structures such as elastic pieces and bolt tightening are used for terminal contact, then contact force is maintained, but insertion force is required and working efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact forceVSAvoidworking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary shaping of contact claws at high temperature during manufacturing, creating a memory of the desired contracted shape. During operation, temperature rise automatically restores the claws to this pre-set shape, generating contact force without requiring insertion force or tools, thus improving working efficiency while maintaining contact force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (elastic pieces, bolt tightening) with a temperature-driven shape memory system. The phase transformation of memory alloy substitutes mechanical insertion mechanisms, eliminating the need for insertion force and tools while ensuring adequate contact force through thermal activation during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The terminal allows for effortless plugging without insertion force, increases contact area and force due to temperature-induced contraction, improving reliability and efficiency while maintaining excellent electrical performance and corrosion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

All or part of the contact claw (31) is made of a memory alloy. The plurality of contact claws are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the memory contact section, and the plurality of contact claws are capable of radially contracting.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase transformation: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

During working, the terminal conducts current, and the temperature of the terminal gradually increases due to resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240322474A1Terminal having memory function

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 CHANGCHUN JETTY AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CORPORATION

AI summary

A terminal having memory function, including a memory contact section that includes a plurality of contact claws. All or part of the contact claw is made of a memory alloy. The plurality of contact claws are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the memory contact section, and the plurality of contact claws are capable of radially contracting. The terminal having memory function can realize a butting without an insertion force, and ensure a contact area and a contact force between a terminal and a mating terminal by a temperature rise during working, and improve contact reliability. Since the insertion force is not required, the work is easier and the working efficiency is improved.