Spring Connector Structure for Rear-Exposed Flexible Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are ineffective for establishing electrical connections with flexible conductors exposed on the rear surface of connection objects.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a plug contact with a recessed portion and an inner contact composed of a bent wire spring, allowing for electrical connection by sandwiching the flexible conductor between a pressing portion and the recessed portion, even when exposed on the rear surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connector design is used, then electrical connection can be established 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 extends the contact structure in the fitting axis direction to include both a front surface contact portion and a rear surface contact portion. This dimensional extension allows the connector to accommodate flexible conductors regardless of whether they are exposed on the front surface or rear surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability to different exposure positions and reliable electrical connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact structure is simplified to handle only front surface exposure, then manufacturing is easier, but the connector cannot connect to rear surface exposed conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure is segmented into distinct front surface contact portions and rear surface contact portions along the fitting axis. Each segment is designed to specifically engage with the flexible conductor at its respective surface location. This segmentation allows the connector to achieve enhanced adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes.
3Reliability
If the contact force is increased to ensure reliable connection, then electrical connection stability improves, but interference from electromagnetic disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conductor itself serves as an intermediary element between the front surface contact portion and the rear surface contact portion. By distributing the contact force through this intermediate flexible conductor, the connector achieves stable electrical connection while the flexible conductor acts as a shield against electromagnetic interference, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection stability and electromagnetic interference resistance.
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 of flexible conductors on both the front and rear surfaces, ensuring stable contact pressure and reduced interference from electromagnetic disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
an inner contact having conductivity, the inner contact being inserted in the recessed portion and composed of a bent wire spring, wherein 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, wherein 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
Figure 1
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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.