Terminal Contact Fitting With Stiffening Beam for Low Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in vehicles face challenges with high failure rates due to increased demand for smaller terminals and higher performance, particularly in terms of electrical conductivity and retention force, while also requiring reduced insertion forces to prevent damage during mating.
Innovation Solution
The electrical terminal fitting is constructed with a flexible contact beam and a stationary beam, supported by a stiffening beam, where the initial reaction force is produced solely by the flexible contact beam, reducing the initial insertion force and distributing it over both beams for enhanced electrical connection and overstress protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fittings (adapter, connector, splicing connector) are used to connect optical fibers, then connection functionality is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adapter, connector, and splicing connector into a single integrated fitting structure. The adapter body houses both the first connector (for optical fiber input) and the second connector (for optical fiber output), while the splicing connector is integrated within the same structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining all required connection functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fitting serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adapter for connecting different connector types, provides connector interfaces for optical fiber attachment, and includes a splicing connector for fiber fusion splicing. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fittings are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but assembly time and installation process are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is pre-assembled with all necessary components (adapter body, connectors, splicing connector) integrated into a single unit during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for field technicians to perform multiple separate assembly operations, reducing installation time and ensuring proper alignment and configuration before deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate fittings are used, then optical fiber connection is achieved, but structural compactness and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fitting structure nests multiple functional components within a compact adapter body. The first and second connectors are positioned within the adapter housing, and the splicing connector is integrated into the same structure, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes overall volume while maintaining all connection capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical terminal fitting includes a body and a covering. The body is formed from a first material and includes a connection section and a contacting section with the contacting section having a flexible contact beam and an opposing stationary beam for receiving a male pin of a mating terminal. The covering is formed from a second material having a higher tensile strength than the first material and is secured to the body. The covering includes a stiffening beam and a support beam that are spaced apart from the flexible contact beam that provide increased normal force to the flexible contact beam upon engagement of the flexible contact beam with the stiffening beam.