NTC Thermistor Connector Recess for Internal Temperature Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors fail to detect ambient temperature inside the connector in time, leading to potential irreversible consequences like failure to disconnect power or fire, and NTC thermistors are difficult to mount and operate.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a conductive terminal featuring a connecting portion that extends outward and has a recess for embedding an NTC thermistor, secured by a heat-shrinkable sleeve or holding arms, allowing timely temperature detection and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NTC thermistor is provided on the insulating body, then temperature detection function is added, but the NTC thermistor cannot detect temperature inside the connector in time and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection timelinessVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NTC thermistor is embedded within the connector body structure itself, specifically integrated into the conductive terminal or insulating body cavity. This nesting approach allows the thermistor to be positioned inside the connector to detect internal temperature directly, while remaining part of the overall connector assembly, thus improving detection timeliness without significantly increasing external complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated temperature detection structure that acts as an intermediary between the internal components and the NTC thermistor. This intermediary structure facilitates proper positioning and thermal contact of the thermistor with critical components, enabling accurate internal temperature detection while keeping the overall design organized and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If NTC thermistor is provided on the insulating body, then temperature detection is enabled, but mounting and operation becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection capabilityVSAvoidNTC thermistor mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design pre-integrates the NTC thermistor during manufacturing, with pre-formed mounting structures such as embedded cavities, adhesive layers, or mechanical retention features already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field installation procedures, making the thermistor easy to mount and operate while ensuring reliable temperature detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional connector structure is used, then simple structure is maintained, but temperature detection inside connector cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidinternal temperature detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by adding temperature detection functionality only in specific critical areas where internal temperature monitoring is most needed, such as near power transmission components or heat-generating areas. This localized approach enables internal temperature detection without requiring a complete redesign of the entire connector structure, thus maintaining overall simplicity while achieving the detection function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 timely power cutoff to prevent fires and facilitates easy mounting and operation of NTC thermistors, ensuring stable temperature detection within the connector.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting portion is fitted with a heat-shrinkable sleeve for securing the NTC thermistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

a connector for connecting a negative temperature coefficient thermistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative temperature coefficient effect: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP4597055A1Connector for connecting negative temperature coefficient thermistor
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 TKK CO LTD
  • EP4597055A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597055A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597055A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector for connecting a NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor is disclosed. The connector comprises an insulating body (10) and a conductive terminal (20). The conductive terminal (20) has a connecting portion (23) extending outward. The connecting portion (23) extends out of the insulating body (10). The connecting portion (23) has a recess (201) for a NTC thermistor (30) to be embedded and attached to the recess (201), such that the NTC thermistor (30) can detect the temperature inside the connector in time. Thus, the power can be cut off in time to avoid irreversible consequences of fire, and the NTC thermistor (30) can be mounted and operated more easily.