Spring-Loaded Connector for Front and Rear Flexible Conductors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are ineffective for electrically connecting flexible conductors exposed on the rear surface of a connection object.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a plug contact with a recessed portion and an inner contact composed of a bent wire spring, allowing electrical connection to flexible conductors on both the front and rear surfaces by sandwiching the conductor between the inner contact and the recessed portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector design is used, then electrical connection is achieved when the flexible conductor is exposed on the front surface, but the connector becomes useless when the flexible conductor is exposed on the rear surface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a recessed portion that can accommodate flexible conductors regardless of whether they are exposed on the front surface or rear surface of the connection object. The pressing portion applies elastic force to ensure reliable electrical contact in both configurations, making the connector universally applicable to different conductor exposure positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion extends in the fitting axis direction, creating a three-dimensional space that can receive flexible conductors from different positions (front or rear surface). This dimensional extension allows the connector to adapt to conductors exposed on either surface without requiring separate connector designs.
2Reliability
If the flexible conductor is exposed on the rear surface of the connection object, then the conventional connector cannot make electrical connection, but the new connector design enables connection via the inner contact
Solution Approach 1:
The inner contact is inserted into the recessed portion of the plug contact, forming a nested structure. The inner contact composed of a bent wire spring is housed within the recessed portion, allowing it to apply pressing force to flexible conductors exposed on the rear surface while remaining compact and integrated within the overall connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner contact acts as an intermediary element between the plug contact and the flexible conductor exposed on the rear surface. It transmits the pressing force from the recessed portion to the conductor, enabling reliable electrical connection without requiring direct exposure of the conductor on the front surface.
3Reliability
If a simple connector structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the connector cannot provide reliable electrical connection for both front and rear surface conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the plug contact with its recessed portion, and the separate inner contact inserted into it. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized structures for their specific functions, then assembled together to achieve reliable electrical connection for both front and rear surface conductors.
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
Enables reliable electrical connection to flexible conductors regardless of their surface exposure, ensuring consistent connectivity and reduced interference from electromagnetic disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
the inner contact includes a contact portion that is elastically displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis and makes contact with the plug contact in the recessed portion
Implementation Method 2
a pressing portion that is elastically displaceable in the direction orthogonal to the fitting axis and is disposed in the recessed portion, and part of a connection object of sheet shape having a flexible conductor exposed on at least one surface of the connection object is sandwiched between the pressing portion and an inner surface of the recessed portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an inner contact inserted in a recessed portion of a plug contact and composed of a bent wire spring, the inner contact having an elastically displaceable contact portion contacting the plug contact and an elastically displaceable pressing portion, part of a connection object having a flexible conductor exposed on at least one surface thereof being sandwiched between the pressing portion and an inner surface of the recessed portion, the inner surface of the recessed portion and the pressing portion contacting a front surface and a rear surface of the connection object, respectively, the plug contact being electrically connected to the flexible conductor directly when the flexible conductor is exposed on the front surface of the connection object, the plug contact being electrically connected to the flexible conductor via the inner contact when the flexible conductor is exposed on the rear surface of the connection object.