Sheet Connector Contact Structure for Top or Bottom Exposed Conductors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are unable to establish an electrical connection with a conductor when it is exposed on the bottom surface of a flexible substrate, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a plug contact with an axially extending portion and an orthogonally extending portion, combined with an elastically deformable inner contact, allows for electrical connection regardless of the conductor's surface exposure, utilizing a first, second, and third contacting portion to ensure connection on both top and bottom surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector design is used, then electrical connection is achieved when conductor is exposed on top surface, but electrical connection cannot be established when conductor is exposed on bottom surface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with multi-functional contacting portions that can adapt to different conductor exposure positions. The first contacting portion contacts the conductor when exposed on the top surface, while the second and third contacting portions enable connection when the conductor is exposed on the bottom surface, making the connector universally applicable regardless of conductor position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the contacting structure in multiple spatial dimensions. The inner contact includes contacting portions extending in directions orthogonal to the fitting axis, allowing the connector to reach conductors exposed on either the top or bottom surface of the flexible substrate, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to solve the positional adaptability problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple connector structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the connector cannot accommodate both top and bottom surface conductor exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a plug contact with axially extending portion and an inner contact with multiple contacting portions (first, second, and third). Each segment serves a specific function in establishing electrical connection under different conductor exposure conditions, making the overall complex structure manageable and manufacturable through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner contact is nested within the plug contact structure. The inner contact with its multiple contacting portions is positioned inside the recessed portion of the plug contact, allowing the complex multi-functional contacting structure to be compactly integrated within the overall connector housing, reducing external complexity while maintaining internal functionality.
3Reliability
If the connector is designed for single-surface contact, then the structure is simpler, but it fails to provide reliable connection when conductor position varies
Solution Approach 1:
The contacting structure is designed with universal applicability through multiple contacting portions that can engage with the conductor regardless of whether it is exposed on the top surface or bottom surface. This multi-functional design ensures reliable electrical connection under varying conductor positions without requiring multiple separate connectors.
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 connector effectively connects to conductors on both the top and bottom surfaces of a sheet-type connection object, enhancing versatility and reliability in applications such as smart clothing.
Implementation Method 1
an inner contact having conductivity that is elastically deformable and is supported in a state of being partially inserted in the recessed portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A connector includes a plug contact having an axially extending portion that forms at least part of an inner surface of a recess extending along a fitting axis, and an orthogonally extending portion joined to the axially extending portion and extending from a base end of the recess in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis, and an inner contact that is supported in a state of being partially inserted in the recess, the inner contact having a first contacting portion contacting with the inner surface of the recess, a second contacting portion contacting with the inner surface of the recess on an opposite side from the first contacting portion, and a third contacting portion facing the orthogonally extending portion, part of a connection object of sheet shape being sandwiched between a bottom surface of the orthogonally extending portion and the third contacting portion.