Connecting Terminal with Concave Portions for Reduced Solder Spread
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connecting terminals for connectors face challenges in reducing solder spread and maintaining contact pressure while preventing short circuits, especially when the array pitch is reduced, which affects the reliability and efficiency of connecting flexible printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
The connecting terminal features a circular concave portion along its outer peripheral surface, which reduces solder spread and increases contact pressure without compromising spring properties, allowing for a smaller array pitch and enhanced contact reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the array pitch of the connecting terminal is reduced, then the number of terminals per unit area is increased, but the solder spread increases causing short circuit between adjacent terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The outer peripheral surface of the connecting terminal is segmented into multiple circular concave portions, which divide and confine the solder spread in discrete zones, preventing solder from bridging adjacent terminals while maintaining reduced array pitch
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portions are strategically positioned along the outer peripheral surface to create localized solder containment zones, allowing different regions of the terminal to have different functional properties - the concave areas contain solder while the raised portions maintain electrical isolation
2Productivity
If the width of the connecting terminal is reduced, then the array pitch is reduced, but the contact pressure between movable contact and contact portion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The concave portions are positioned to affect solder flow and distribution locally without compromising the overall structural integrity and spring properties of the connecting terminal, allowing reduced width while maintaining contact pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from modifying the terminal width (one dimension) to adding surface features (another dimension - the outer peripheral surface topology), allowing array pitch reduction while preserving contact pressure through the geometric configuration of concave portions
3Productivity
If the width of the connecting terminal is reduced, then the array pitch is reduced, but the spring properties and rigidity of the terminal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing terminal width (affecting structural strength), the invention adds concave portions to the outer peripheral surface (a different dimensional aspect), allowing array pitch reduction while preserving the terminal's spring properties and rigidity through careful geometric design
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting terminal for a connector has a fixed portion configured to be connected to an electrode portion provided in a member for mounting the connector, and a contact configured to electrically come in contact with a contact portion of a connected portion to be connected to the connector. At least one concave portion is provided along a whole outer peripheral surface of the connector terminal.