Segmented Ground Terminal with Elastic Arms for Compact Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional annular ground terminals require a wide installation area, lower integrated density, complex shape, and difficult production, leading to inefficient assembly and increased production time when connected to a printed board.
Innovation Solution
A ground terminal with a pair of terminal portions and elastic arms extending from a central coupling portion, featuring a slit and projections for latching pawls, reducing installation area and simplifying the shape for easier production and assembly, while providing three-point support against vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an annular ground terminal is used, then electrical connection is established, but the installation area is wide and integrated density is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The annular ground terminal is segmented into a pair of elastic arms with terminal portions, connected through a central coupling portion. This segmentation reduces the overall installation area while maintaining electrical connection functionality through the distributed structure of the elastic arms and latching pawls.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminal transitions from a two-dimensional annular shape to a three-dimensional structure with elastic arms extending in multiple directions from a central coupling portion. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced installation area while maintaining connection stability through the vertical and radial arrangement of components.
2Ease of manufacture
If an annular ground terminal is used, then electrical connection is established, but the shape is complicated and production is not easily performed
Solution Approach 1:
The complex annular shape is segmented into simpler components: elastic arms, terminal portions, and a central coupling portion. Each segment can be manufactured independently using standard press working techniques, reducing overall production complexity while maintaining the functional integrity of the ground terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The design parameters of the elastic arms and central coupling portion are optimized to achieve simple, manufacturable shapes. The elastic arms have uniform cross-sections and standard geometries that are easy to produce through press working, while the central coupling portion uses a slit design that simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional annular structures.
3Reliability
If the ground terminal is attached to the connector body, then electrical connection is established, but dropout occurs when vibration is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal incorporates elastic arms that can dynamically deform under vibration or shock loads. This elasticity allows the structure to absorb mechanical disturbances while maintaining electrical connection, preventing dropout that would occur with rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching pawls are designed to engage with the connector body beforehand, creating a pre-loaded mechanical connection. This pre-engagement provides cushioning against subsequent vibration or shock, preventing dropout by maintaining firm contact even under disturbance conditions.
4Productivity
If the ground terminal structure is simplified, then production time is decreased, but dropout resistance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified structure is segmented into functional units (elastic arms, terminal portions, central coupling portion with latching pawls) that can be manufactured quickly using standard press working. Despite the simplification, the segmented design maintains dropout resistance through the distributed latching mechanism and elastic properties of the arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms provide self-cushioning through their inherent elasticity, and the latching pawls automatically engage with the connector body without requiring additional assembly steps. This self-service mechanism maintains reliability while reducing production time, as no complex assembly or adjustment is needed.
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
The solution reduces the installation area, improves cutting layout, decreases production time, and effectively prevents dropout due to elastic deformation and three-point support, resulting in a more efficient and stable connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
dropout is hardly generated even if a disturbance such as a vibration is applied after the ground terminal is attached to the connector body, is obtained because an elastic deformation is easily generated in the central coupling portion
Implementation Method 2
a pair of latching pawls is provided in at least one of an inner circumferential edge of the central coupling portion and inner circumferential edges of the elastic arms
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3
AI summary
A ground terminal (30) and a connector provided therewith where the ground terminal (30) includes a terminal portion that is electrically connected to an outside device and elastic arms (32a, 32b) that extend in an identical direction from both ends of a central coupling portion (31), where a pair of latching pawls (33a, 33b) is provided in at least one of an inner circumferential edge of the central coupling portion (31) and inner circumferential edges of the elastic arms (32a, 32b).