Multipolar Connector Layout for Visible Ground Terminal Mating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multipolar connector sets used for high-frequency signal transmission experience undesired resonance due to electromagnetic field radiation, making it difficult to ensure stable signal transmission and visibility of proper terminal connections.

Innovation Solution

The design includes first and second connectors with external terminals that are easily visible from the outside when connected, featuring recessed portions and connection portions that are orthogonal in structure, allowing for clear observation of the connection state and reducing resonance by ensuring proper alignment and connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the multipolar connector set is designed with enclosed side surfaces and end surfaces, then the structural integrity and shielding are improved, but the visibility of terminal connections from the outside deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidvisibility of terminal connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing is segmented with transparent windows that allow visual inspection of the terminal connections without compromising the overall enclosed structure. This segmentation enables partial transparency in specific regions while maintaining structural integrity in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transparent windows act as intermediaries between the internal terminal connections and the external observer. These windows allow light to pass through, enabling visual detection of connection status without requiring physical disassembly or opening the enclosed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the connector structure is fully enclosed, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but the ability to check connection status from outside deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidease of checking connection status
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosed structure is segmented by incorporating transparent windows at strategic locations where terminal connections can be observed. This allows the majority of the structure to remain enclosed for electromagnetic shielding while specific segments provide visual access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent windows may utilize color-coded indicators or visual markers on the terminals that are visible through the window material, enabling quick identification of connection status without compromising the electromagnetic shielding properties of the overall enclosed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If external terminals are positioned for easy visibility, then the ease of checking connections is improved, but the susceptibility to electromagnetic interference may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of checking connectionsVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent window material serves as an intermediary that allows visual observation of external terminals while providing a barrier that maintains the electromagnetic shielding enclosure. The terminals remain positioned for visibility but are protected by the enclosed structure with controlled openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11870184B2Multipolar connector set
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US11870184B2 patent drawing
  • US11870184B2 patent drawing
  • US11870184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multipolar connector includes first and second connectors. The first connector includes first internal terminals, first external terminals connected to a ground potential, and a first insulating member that holds the first internal terminals and the first external terminals. The second connector includes second internal terminals, second external terminals connected to the ground potential, and a second insulating member that holds the second internal terminals and the second external terminals. In a state in which the first connector and the second connector fit together, the first internal terminals are connected to the second internal terminals, and each of the first external terminals is connected to the corresponding one of the second external terminals in such a manner that connection portions defined by the first external terminal and the second external terminal are visible from the corresponding one of sides on which end surfaces of the first connector are located.