Multi-Cable Connector With Directional Piercing Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are not suitable for automated attachment to composite cables with different diameters, such as signal and power cables, and require manual insertion into receiving holes, making them unsuitable for automation.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring terminals with contact, held, and connection portions, where the connection portions of different terminals protrude in different directions, allowing for separate connection to multiple cables within a composite cable, enabling automated attachment by moving the housing and locator components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If cables are inserted into receiving holes independently, then connection to multiple cables is achieved, but automation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable connection operations into a single integrated process. The connector housing simultaneously receives and secures multiple different cables (signal and power cables with different diameters) through unified receiving holes, eliminating the need for separate insertion operations and enabling automated attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving holes in the connector housing are designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of cables with different diameters. Each receiving hole can adaptively receive either a signal cable or a power cable, allowing the same connector structure to handle diverse cable types without requiring different insertion mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector is designed for same diameter cables, then simple structure is maintained, but adaptability to composite cables is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs local quality differentiation through receiving holes with varying dimensions. Each receiving hole is specifically sized to match the diameter of the intended cable type (signal or power cable), allowing the connector to adapt to different cable diameters while maintaining a unified overall structure. This localized customization enables the connector to handle composite cables with different diameters effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If all connection portions protrude in same direction, then manufacturing is simplified, but automated connection to multiple cables is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the terminal connection portions by having them protrude in different directions (front-rear direction for some terminals, perpendicular direction for others). This asymmetric arrangement allows automated processing equipment to access and connect to different cables in sequence without interference, enabling automated connection to multiple cables while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized terminal components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided with a plurality of terminals and a housing. The terminals include a first terminal corresponding to a first cable and a second terminal corresponding to a second cable. Each of the terminals has a contact portion, a held portion and a connection portion. The contact portion is brought into contact with a mating contact portion when the connector is connected to a mating connector. The held portion is held by the housing. When the connector is attached to a composite cable, the connection portion pierces a covering portion of a cable corresponding thereto and is connected to a conductor of the cable. The connection portion of the first terminal protrudes from the held portion in a front-rear direction. The connection portion of the second terminal protrudes from the held portion in a perpendicular direction.