Multi-Row Connector Asymmetry for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with multiple rows of contacts have a large footprint in the front-rear direction due to complex bending processes, leading to high manufacturing costs and increased size.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring staggered configurations of upper and lower contact rows, where first contacts have a downward-bent portion and second contacts are positioned obliquely rearward, minimizing the footprint by using a housing with through holes for stable press-fit and soldering, and optimizing the bending process to reduce material waste and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper-row contacts are designed with L-shape and lower-row contacts have complex bending (upper-bent portion bent more than 90 degrees and lower-bent portion), then the connector can accommodate multiple rows of contacts, but the manufacturing cost increases and the connector size in the front-rear direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the second contact row obliquely rearward relative to the first contact row, rather than using symmetric alignment. This asymmetric arrangement allows both rows to be accommodated within a smaller front-rear footprint while simplifying the bending requirements of the contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional staggered configuration by positioning contact rows at different depths (obliquely rearward). This dimensional change allows efficient space utilization that reduces the front-rear size without requiring complex bending processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower-row contacts have upper-bent portion bent more than 90 degree angle and lower-bent portion, then the connector can fit multiple rows, but the connector size in the front-rear direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of the second contact row obliquely rearward eliminates the need for complex multi-segment bending while achieving compact dimensions. The asymmetric layout optimizes space utilization in the front-rear direction
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the depth dimension (oblique rearward positioning) rather than extending in the front-rear direction, the patent achieves multi-row configuration within a compact footprint, effectively trading front-rear length for depth utilization
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connector comprising a plurality of rows of contacts and minimized in a front-rear direction. A first contact 30 positioned in an upper-row has a special shape constituted by a held portion 32 held by a housing 20, a connection portion 33 extending in a width direction from a rear end of the held portion 32, a first bent portion 35 extending from a front end of the connection portion 33 and being bent downward, and a first contact portion 36 extending downward from the first bent portion 35. A second contact 40 positioned in a lower-row has an L-shape. A second contact portion 44 of the second contact 40 is positioned obliquely rearward of the first contact portion 36 of the first contact 30.