Oblong Terminal Assembly to Prevent Loose Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems between male and female terminals in vehicles experience loose connections, leading to weak electrical connections or loss of connectivity due to excessive movement of the female terminal relative to the male terminal.
Innovation Solution
A terminal assembly design featuring a male terminal with an oblong protrusion and a female terminal with a void and projections that collectively form an oblong shape, ensuring secure engagement and restricting relative movement between the terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection systems are used between male and female terminals, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection becomes loose during extended use leading to weak electrical connection or loss of connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using an oblong-shaped protrusion on the male terminal that engages with a corresponding oblong-shaped void and projections on the female terminal. This asymmetric geometry prevents the female terminal from rotating or translating relative to the male terminal, thereby maintaining a secure electrical connection during extended use without requiring complex additional components.
2Reliability
If the female terminal is allowed to move freely relative to the male terminal, then the assembly and disassembly process is simple, but excessive movement occurs leading to loose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric oblong shape of the protrusion and corresponding void/projections creates a directional engagement that secures the connection during use. The design allows simple linear insertion and removal along the oblong axis while preventing unwanted rotational or lateral movements that would compromise connection security.
3Reliability
If traditional circular or symmetric terminal designs are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the terminals can rotate or translate relative to each other causing connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The oblong asymmetric shape can be directly molded into the terminal components using standard injection molding techniques. The geometry is simple enough for straightforward manufacturing while effectively preventing rotation and translation that would occur with circular symmetric designs, thus maintaining electrical connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal assembly includes a male terminal and a female terminal. The male terminal includes a first base and a protrusion extending from the first base. The protrusion defines an oblong shape. The female terminal includes a second base and a plurality of projections extending from the second base. The second base defines a void configured to receive the protrusion. The plurality of projections are disposed around the void and collectively define an oblong shape. In an assembled configuration, the protrusion engages the plurality of projections such that the male terminal is connected with the female terminal.