Nested Connector Assembly for Back-Surface Flexible Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors fail to electrically connect to flexible conductors when they are exposed on the back surface of a connection target.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a plug contact with a recess and an elastically deformable inner contact that can be inserted into the recess, allowing for electrical connection to flexible conductors on either the front or back surface of a connection target by sandwiching the conductor between a pressing portion and the recess's inner surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector structure with a contact passing through a housing is used, then the connector can be simply structured, but it cannot electrically connect to flexible conductors exposed on the back surface of the connection target
Solution Approach 1:
The inner contact is nested within the plug contact, with the inner contact's insertion portion placed inside the recess of the plug contact. This nested structure allows the connector to adapt to both front-surface and back-surface flexible conductor exposures without requiring separate connector designs, thereby improving versatility while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into two functional contacts: the plug contact that interfaces with front-surface conductors and the inner contact that interfaces with back-surface conductors. This segmentation allows each contact to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the connector to handle both exposure positions effectively.
2Reliability
If the flexible conductor is exposed on the back surface of the connection target, then the connector structure must be modified to reach the conductor, but this increases the complexity of the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The inner contact is nested within the plug contact structure, allowing the inner contact to reach back-surface conductors through the housing without adding external complexity. The nested arrangement ensures reliable electrical connection to back-surface conductors while keeping the overall connector structure compact and integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner contact acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the housing and back-surface flexible conductors. It provides a dedicated connection path for back-surface conductors without interfering with the plug contact's function, thereby ensuring reliable connectivity without significant structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single contact structure is used for both front and back surface connections, then the device is simpler, but it cannot provide reliable electrical connection for back surface conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct contact structures: the plug contact for front-surface connections and the inner contact for back-surface connections. This segmentation ensures that each contact is optimized for its specific exposure position, providing reliable electrical connection for both configurations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both plug contact and inner contact, enabling it to reliably connect to flexible conductors regardless of whether they are exposed on the front or back surface. This universal design allows a single connector to handle multiple connection scenarios effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable electrical connection to flexible conductors regardless of their surface exposure, ensuring consistent connectivity and shielding effects for signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an inner contact having conductivity and having an insertion portion in a cylindrical shape which is elastically deformable, which is inserted into the recess
Implementation Method 2
the inner surface of the recess comes into contact with a front surface of the connection target, and the pressing portion comes into contact with a back surface of the connection target, whereby the plug contact is directly electrically connected to the flexible conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a cylindrical, elastically deformable insertion portion that is inserted into a recess of a plug contact, the insertion portion having a contact portion placed on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and a pressing portion placed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and on an opposite side to the contact portion across the fitting axis, part of a sheet-like connection target having a flexible conductor exposed on at least one surface being sandwiched between the pressing portion and an inner surface of the recess in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis, the inner surface of the recess contacting a front surface of the connection target, and the pressing portion contacting a back surface of the connection target.