Multi-Output Connector Bus Bar Layout for Secure External Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors lack a robust and versatile design that efficiently manages multiple outputs and inputs for electrical connections, particularly in applications requiring secure and reliable connections between electronic components in devices like automobiles and home appliances.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a case with inputs and outputs, a terminal housing with exposed terminals for external connections, and a bus bar connected to the terminals, which includes a plate-shaped bus bar body with ribs for secure mounting and a shield system for noise reduction and protection, allowing for detachable terminals and multiple connection configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals are exposed through different outputs for external connections, then the connector provides versatile connection capabilities, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilitiesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a case with multiple outputs, a terminal housing containing multiple terminals, and a bus bar with multiple connection points. Each segment can be independently configured to provide specific connection capabilities while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bus bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection to multiple terminals, extends through the input for external connection, and is secured within the terminal housing. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address multiple connection requirements without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the bus bar is exposed to the outside through the input for external connection, then the connector enables direct external access, but the protection against external impacts is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal accessVSAvoidexternal impacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bus bar rib acts as an intermediary structural element that extends the bus bar through the terminal housing to the external environment. This rib provides a controlled exposure point that enables external connection while the main body of the bus bar remains protected within the housing, balancing accessibility with protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the bus bar have different protective qualities: the main bus bar body is fully enclosed within the terminal housing for protection, while the rib portion is intentionally exposed to enable external connection. This local differentiation of protective quality allows simultaneous achievement of protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of repair

If terminals are made detachable from the bus bar, then the connector allows for easier maintenance and reconfiguration, but the reliability of electrical connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaintenanceVSAvoidelectrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal-bus bar connection is designed to be dynamically adjustable between fixed and detachable states. This allows the system to transition between high-reliability fixed connections during normal operation and easily serviceable detachable connections during maintenance, optimizing both reliability and ease of repair as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4246739A1Connector comprising multiple outputs
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 TYCO ELECTRONICS AMP KOREA
  • EP4246739A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4246739A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4246739A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector including a case including an input and a plurality of outputs, a terminal housing in the case, a plurality of terminals in the terminal housing, in which at least one terminal of the terminals is exposed to the outside through one of the outputs and is connectable to an external terminal that may be inserted into the case, and another terminal of the terminals is exposed to the outside through another one of the outputs and is connectable to another external terminal that may be inserted into the case, and a bus bar that is in the terminal housing and is connected to the terminals, in which at least some of the bus bar is in the input and exposed to the outside of the case.