Memory Alloy Ring Terminal for Zero-Force Electrical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging terminals require insertion force and mechanical structures, leading to increased resistance and decreased current due to temperature rise during use, affecting efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with a memory ring made of memory alloy, which expands at lower temperatures and contracts at higher temperatures, ensuring contact area and force without insertion force, thus improving reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic pieces, bolt tightening, or mechanical structures are used for terminal contact, then the terminal can be securely connected, but insertion force is required and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical structures (elastic pieces, bolts, tightening mechanisms) from the terminal contact system, retaining only the essential contact components. The memory ring replaces elaborate mechanical locking mechanisms with a simple temperature-responsive contraction feature, achieving secure connection without unnecessary structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical insertion force requirements with a thermal-mechanical system. The memory ring uses temperature-induced phase transformation to automatically contract and secure the terminal connection, replacing manual bolt tightening and elastic piece compression with an automatic thermally-actuated mechanical action
2Force
If mechanical tightening structures are used, then contact force can be maintained, but the insertion process becomes difficult and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The memory ring performs self-service by automatically contracting when exposed to temperature changes during the insertion process. This eliminates the need for external tools or manual tightening operations, as the terminal self-secures through the memory ring's inherent temperature-responsive deformation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the memory ring material (phase transformation temperature) to enable automatic contact force generation. By designing the memory ring with a specific transformation temperature range, the terminal automatically adjusts its mechanical properties in response to temperature changes during insertion, achieving easy operation with adequate contact force
3Device complexity
If conventional terminals are used without memory ring, then the structure is simpler, but resistance increases and current decreases due to temperature rise during working
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase transition characteristics of memory alloy materials. The memory ring undergoes a reversible phase transformation at a specific temperature range, causing it to contract and increase contact pressure when temperature rises during operation. This automatic adjustment compensates for thermal expansion effects and maintains reliable electrical contact under varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal contraction (inverse of thermal expansion) of the memory ring material to counteract the thermal expansion of other terminal components. As temperature increases, the memory ring contracts while other materials expand, creating a compensating effect that maintains optimal contact pressure and electrical connection reliability throughout the operating temperature range
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 effortless connection, maintains contact reliability by adjusting contact area and resistance with temperature, preventing current reduction and enhancing working efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The memory ring is made of a memory alloy. When the terminal is working, the temperature of the terminal gradually increases, and when the temperature is greater than a transformation temperature, the memory ring contracts
Implementation Method 2
A terminal with a memory ring made of memory alloy, which expands at lower temperatures and contracts at higher temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal having a memory ring, including a terminal body (1) and a memory ring (2). The terminal body (1) includes a contact section (13). The memory ring (2) is sleeved on an outer side of the contact section (13), and is in contact with the contact section (13), The memory ring (2) is made of a memory alloy and is capable of causing the contact section (13) to contract. The terminal having the memory ring can realize a butting without an insertion force, and a contact area and a contact force between a terminal and a mating terminal are ensured by a temperature rise during working, thereby improving contact reliability. Since the insertion force is not required, the work is easier and the working efficiency is improved.