Spring Finger Electrical Terminal for Fast Reliable Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical connector assemblies require complex and time-consuming processes for connecting electrically conductive structures, necessitating a simpler and quicker method for establishing connections between conductive structures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrical terminal with a spring finger contact that moves between positions within an electrical connector housing, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement with electrically conductive structures without the need for crimping, utilizing a cantilever and contact portion design that contacts electrically conductive traces when the housing is closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crimping methods are used to connect electrical terminals to conductive structures, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical terminal incorporates a movable contact member that can transition between retracted and extended positions, allowing the terminal to dynamically adapt during insertion and connection processes, thereby achieving reliable electrical contact without complex crimping operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal's movable contact member automatically engages with the conductive structure through simple insertion, eliminating the need for specialized crimping tools and methods, thus simplifying the connection process while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If conventional crimping tools and methods are used to establish electrical connections, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidconnection device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex crimping mechanism from the connection system and replaces it with a simplified insertion process that uses the terminal's own movable contact member to achieve secure attachment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical crimping system is replaced with a simpler mechanical insertion system that utilizes the movable contact member's automatic engagement, eliminating the need for specialized crimping tools and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized tools are used for crimping electrical terminals, then precise connection is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidconnection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal's movable contact member performs the connection function automatically through simple insertion, eliminating the need for specialized crimping tools and making the operation easier while maintaining connection precision through the designed engagement geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If conventional electrical terminal designs are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but operational speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidconnection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable contact member enables rapid engagement through a single insertion motion, eliminating time-consuming crimping operations, thus improving connection speed while maintaining electrical connectivity through the designed contact geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution simplifies the connection process, reducing the time and complexity required to attach and detach electrically conductive structures from electrical terminals, enabling quicker and more efficient electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

The spring finger contact is movable relative to the terminal head between a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11742606B2Electrical terminal and electrical connector assembly for electrically conductive structures

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 LEAR CORP

AI summary

Electrical term finals and electrical connector assemblies for electrically conductive structures are described. An example electrical terminal has a terminal head and an electrical contact. The electrical contact extends from the terminal head and has a lengthwise axis and a spring finger contact. The spring finger contact is movable relative to the terminal head and has a cantilever portion and a contact portion. The cantilever portion extends away from the terminal head and away from the lengthwise axis of the electrical contact. The contact portion extends from the cantilever portion.