Terminal Blade with Insulation Displacement Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contact configurations are limited, requiring adaptors to connect different types of mating connectors, increasing costs and reducing efficiency in delivering electrical current to devices.
Innovation Solution
The design of terminal blades with tab sections featuring insulation displacement slots allows for electrical and mechanical connections to both mating plug assemblies and conductors without the need for adaptors, enabling versatile connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical contact configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different mating connectors is limited requiring adaptors
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal blade is designed with dual functionality: the tab section can accommodate both traditional receptacle contacts and insulation displacement slots. This allows a single contact structure to work with multiple types of mating connectors (plug assemblies with receptacles or direct conductor insertion), eliminating the need for separate contact designs or adaptors for different connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal blade is divided into distinct functional segments: a contact base portion that provides structural support and electrical connection to the lead frame, and a tab section that extends outward and contains both receptacle engagement surfaces and insulation displacement slots. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adaptors are used to connect different mating connectors, then connectivity is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate components into a single terminal blade structure. Instead of requiring separate contacts for different connector types plus adaptors, the terminal blade integrates both receptacle contact surfaces and insulation displacement slots into one unified component, reducing the total number of parts needed in the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptors are used for different connector types, then connectivity is achieved, but efficiency of current delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal blade is pre-configured with both receptacle contact surfaces and insulation displacement slots during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the blade to immediately accommodate different types of mating connectors without requiring additional assembly steps, adaptors, or reconfiguration, thereby maintaining efficient current delivery pathways from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact and lead frame having a contact base and a tab section. The tab section extends from the contact base. The tab section has a first wall and an oppositely facing second wall. The first wall and the second wall are configured to make an electrical and mechanical connection to a mating receptacle portion of a mating contact of a first mating plug assembly. An insulation displacement slot is provided in the tab section. The insulation displacement slot extends from the end surface. The insulation displacement slot is configured to make an electrical and mechanical connection to electrical conductors of a second mating assembly.