Single-Line Connector Width Reduction via Terminal Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors are wide due to the arrangement of socket and header terminals in two lines, limiting the placement options on circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a socket with a single line of socket terminals and a header with a single line of header terminals, where the terminals include U-shaped portions and elastically deformable main contact portions for improved contact and reduced width, along with lock mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If socket and header terminals are arranged in two lines side by side, then the connector can accommodate more terminals, but the connector width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-line terminal arrangement to a single-line arrangement, effectively changing the dimensional configuration. By arranging all terminals in one line rather than two parallel lines, the connector width is reduced while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple terminals through increased longitudinal spacing or optimized terminal density along the single line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric terminal arrangement where socket and header terminals are positioned at different longitudinal locations within the single line. This asymmetric configuration allows for optimized space utilization and reduced overall width compared to symmetric two-line arrangements, while maintaining proper contact alignment through the fitting portion design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector width is reduced to a single line of terminals, then placement flexibility on circuit boards improves, but terminal contact reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features in the fitting portion design that ensure proper alignment and contact between socket and header terminals before final engagement. The fitting portion includes guide structures and positioning elements that pre-align the terminals, guaranteeing reliable contact even in the reduced single-line configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the terminal assembly. The fitting portion has enhanced structural features for precise alignment and contact, while the connection portions have optimized geometry for secure attachment. This localized differentiation ensures high contact reliability in critical areas while maintaining overall compactness.
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 design reduces the connector's width, allowing for greater flexibility in placement on circuit boards while ensuring reliable electrical connection and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of which is elastically deformable and which come into contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector, a socket fitting portion of the socket housing and a header fitting portion of the header housing are fitted to each other to bring socket and header terminals and into contact with each other. In the socket housing, a socket terminal group including the plural socket terminals arranged in the longitudinal direction of the socket housing is provided only in a single line. In the header housing, a header terminal group including the plural header terminals arranged in the longitudinal direction of the header housing is provided only in a single line. It is, therefore, possible to minimize the connector in the width direction.