Multi-Directional Pin Connector for Battery Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connectors are not optimized for downsizing while simultaneously connecting multiple electric wires to a battery, and there is a need for improved retention mechanisms to prevent disengagement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pin connector with a housing that includes retaining portions to secure multiple connectors, featuring contact portions with flat plate shapes oriented perpendicularly to each other, allowing for efficient electrical connection and retention of multiple electric wires to a battery, with the connectors mated at different angles to reduce size and prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional receptacle connector is used to connect multiple connection cables to a battery post, then the connection function is achieved, but the connector size increases and becomes difficult to downsize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging contact portions in different spatial orientations (thickness directions) within the connector housing. Multiple contact portions are positioned to receive connectors from different directions, transforming a single-plane connection into a multi-dimensional arrangement. This allows the connector to accommodate multiple cables without proportionally increasing its overall volume, effectively resolving the contradiction between compact size and multi-cable connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are connected to a single battery post, then multiple electric wires can be connected, but the risk of accidental disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple retention functions into a single integrated housing structure. The housing incorporates multiple retaining portions that simultaneously secure multiple connectors to the same battery post. This unified structure ensures that all connectors are retained with equal reliability, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining the capability to connect multiple wires. The merging of retention mechanisms into one cohesive structure addresses both the need for multi-cable connection and connection stability.
3Volume of moving object
If connectors are arranged to connect in different directions, then the connector can be downsized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed with multi-functionality, where a single housing simultaneously provides structural support, electrical insulation, and multiple retention functions for connectors arriving from different directions. The retaining portions are integrated into the housing in a way that creates a unified, standardized structure rather than adding separate complex components. This universal design approach allows the housing to manage multi-directional connections without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin connector includes a pin contact and a pin housing. The pin contact includes: an upper contact portion having a flat plate shape and being in electrical contact with an upper socket connector; a lower contact portion having a flat plate shape and being in electrical contact with a lower socket connector; and an electrode contact portion having a flat plate shape and being in electrical contact with a battery. A thickness direction of the upper contact portion and a thickness direction of the lower contact portion are substantially perpendicular to a thickness direction of the electrode contact portion. A direction in which the upper socket connector is mated with the pin connector is different from a direction in which the lower socket connector is mated with the pin connector.