Sliding Rotating Connector Housing With Single Biasing Member

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector design requiring multiple coil springs for each terminal increases cost and restricts terminal shape, leading to higher production costs.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a movable inner housing that allows sliding and rotating motion, utilizing a single biasing member to press the terminal against a connection partner, reducing the need for multiple coil springs and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coil spring is provided for each terminal, then each terminal can maintain contact pressure, but the cost increases and terminal shape is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact pressureVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coil springs are merged into a single biasing member that supports multiple terminals collectively. The biasing member is configured to elastically deform and provide contact pressure to all terminals simultaneously, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the necessary contact pressure for reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single biasing member performs the function of multiple coil springs by providing elastic support and contact pressure to all terminals. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for individual springs for each terminal, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple coil springs are used, then each terminal is supported independently, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal supportVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coil springs are merged into a single biasing member that supports multiple terminals collectively. The biasing member is configured to elastically deform and provide contact pressure to all terminals simultaneously, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the necessary contact pressure for reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the terminal shape is restricted by the coil spring shape, then the terminal can be supported, but design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal supportVSAvoidterminal shape design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single biasing member performs the function of multiple coil springs by providing elastic support and contact pressure to all terminals. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for individual springs for each terminal, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design reduces production costs by minimizing the number of components and allows for effective wiping of connection partners while maintaining stable contact pressure, thus enhancing connectivity and reducing connector size.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member arranged between the outer housing and the inner housing for biasing the inner housing toward an advance side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

one of the inner housing and the outer housing being provided with an engaging portion, the other being provided with an engaged portion for moving the inner housing in a direction intersecting the advance/retreat direction by sliding in contact with the engaging portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12531364B2Connector with sliding circumferentially rotating inner housing

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD

AI summary

It is aimed to provide a connector capable of reducing cost. A connector (10) is provided with an outer housing (20), an inner housing (60) arranged movably in an advance/retreat direction with respect to the outer housing (20), a terminal (80) held in the inner housing (60), a tip part of the terminal projecting from an end surface (61) of the inner housing (60), and a biasing member arranged between the outer housing (20) and the inner housing (60) for biasing the inner housing (60) toward an advance side. One of the inner housing (60) and the outer housing (20) is provided with an engaging portion (67), and the other is provided with an engaged portion (26) for moving the inner housing (60) in a direction intersecting the advance/retreat direction by sliding in contact with the engaging portion (67).