Tool-Free Power Terminal Connection Plate for Reliable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional electrical connection structure between power supply units and electric wires in automobiles is complex, requiring screwing of nuts and precise torque management, which complicates the connection process and can lead to variations in work quality.

Innovation Solution

A structure using columnar and tubular terminals connected via a conductive connection plate, with a spring structure for multifaceted contact, and a cover to secure the connection, allowing for tool-free assembly and eliminating the need for nuts and torque management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nuts and screws are used to connect terminals and electric wires, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the work becomes complicated and requires torque management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the terminal connection structure with the housing by forming columnar terminals directly on the housing surfaces. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and simplifies the connection process while maintaining secure electrical connections between power supply units and electric wires

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the nuts and screws from the connection system by using integrated columnar terminals that directly receive electric wires. This removal of fastening components simplifies the connection process and eliminates torque management requirements while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple nuts are screwed to each terminal, then the electrical connection is secured, but the work time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection securityVSAvoidconnection work efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes nuts and screws from the connection system entirely, replacing them with integrated columnar terminals that provide secure electrical connections without requiring multiple fastening operations. This extraction of fastening components directly improves productivity by eliminating time-consuming screwing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the terminal function from the housing by forming distinct columnar terminals on the housing surfaces. This segmentation allows for simplified, tool-free connection of electric wires while maintaining the security and reliability of electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If stud bolt type terminals are used, then the connection strength is sufficient for large current, but the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex stud bolt mechanism and replaces it with simple columnar terminals formed directly on the housing. This extraction maintains sufficient connection strength for large current applications while dramatically improving ease of operation by enabling tool-free assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The columnar terminals are designed to self-align and self-secure electric wires without requiring external fastening tools or operations. The terminals provide inherent connection strength through their integrated design, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the connection process, ensuring high reliability and consistency in electrical connections with reduced effort and no risk of nut-screwing errors, while maintaining strength and vibration resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring structure for multifaceted contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3996194B1Structure of electrical connection
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3996194B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3996194B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3996194B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A structure of electrical connection is a structure of mutual electrical connection between a first power supply unit, a second power supply unit, and electric wires. The first power supply unit is provided with a first columnar terminal, and the second power supply unit is provided with a second columnar terminal. A tubular terminal is connected to an end of the electric wire. A first tubular terminal fitted to the first columnar terminal, a second tubular terminal fitted to the second columnar terminal, and a columnar terminal fitted to the tubular terminal are joined to a conductive connection plate. The entirety of the connection plate and the ends of the electric wires are covered with a cover.