Multi-Function Connector Integrating Board and Battery Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a connector that can simply and cost-effectively connect two boards while also allowing battery connection, with improved workability and stable contact reliability, particularly requiring a structure that allows all components to be inserted in the same direction.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring multiple contacts and a terminal with specific contact portions, housed in an array configuration with insertion openings accommodating both boards and a battery from the same direction, ensuring stable contact and press-fitting of contacts perpendicular to the insertion direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional inter-board connection connectors or card edge connectors are used, then board connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and battery connection requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects two boards together while also providing battery connection capability through integrated terminals. The housing contains both contact pieces for board-to-board connection and terminals for battery connection, allowing a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate connectors and battery mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the board connection function and battery connection function into a single integrated connector assembly. The housing simultaneously holds contact pieces for electrical connection between boards and terminals for battery attachment, combining multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components into one unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate battery connection terminals are added to boards, then battery connection is achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides board connection and battery connection capabilities. By integrating both functions into one component, the assembly process is simplified as manufacturers only need to install one component rather than separately mounting board connectors and battery terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the board connection terminal and battery connection terminal into a single integrated housing assembly. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components that need to be handled and assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps.
3Volume of moving object
If connectors are designed for high density implementation, then space efficiency is improved, but contact reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones within the housing: contact pieces for board connection and terminals for battery connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness, ensuring reliable contact in each zone without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connector housing are designed with locally optimized properties: the contact piece areas are designed for precise electrical connection with proper spacing and alignment features, while the terminal areas are designed for secure battery attachment. This local optimization ensures reliable contact and connection in each functional zone despite the compact overall size.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a plurality of contacts each including first and second contact pieces provided with first and second contact portions at distal end sides, respectively, that come into contact with conductor portions of two insertable/removable connection objects when the connection objects are inserted, and a connection portion to be connected and secured to a board. The connector further includes a housing that holds the contacts in an array and includes an insertion opening of a shape that allows insertion of the connection objects and a battery from a same direction, and a terminal is arranged in the housing and spaced apart from the contacts in a width direction of the housing, the terminal including third and fourth contact pieces provided with third and fourth contact portions on distal end sides, respectively, configured to come into contact with the conductor portion of one of the connection objects and the battery.