Terminal Fitting Structure for Thermal Misalignment in Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors can experience reliability issues due to deformation of the housing and circuit board during heating, which causes misalignment of terminal connecting portions and affects connection reliability.
Innovation Solution
A terminal fitting design where the terminal connecting portion and board connecting portion are provided in separate members that are coupled to allow relative displacement, ensuring that the terminal connecting portion remains aligned even if the board connecting portion moves due to thermal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the terminal connecting portion is fixed rigidly to the board connecting portion, then the structural strength is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to misalignment from thermal deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal fitting is divided into two separate members: a first member containing the terminal connecting portion and a second member containing the board connecting portion. These members are coupled together but allow relative displacement, enabling each member to independently accommodate thermal deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the first member and second member is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing relative displacement between the members. This dynamic coupling enables the terminal fitting to adapt to thermal deformation by permitting controlled movement, thereby preventing misalignment and maintaining connection reliability under thermal stress.
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing and circuit board are heated during manufacturing, then the soldering process is completed, but thermal deformation causes misalignment of terminal connecting portions
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic coupling between the first and second members allows the terminal fitting to accommodate thermal deformation during the soldering process. The relative displacement capability ensures that even if the housing or circuit board deforms due to heating, the terminal connecting portion can adjust its position to maintain proper alignment, thus preserving manufacturing precision while completing the soldering process.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for changes in the relative position parameters between the first member and second member in response to thermal conditions. During heating, the members can shift relative to each other within the coupling's allowable range, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without compromising alignment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal connecting portion is displaced from the predetermined position, then the deformation of the circuit board is accommodated, but the mating terminal fitting is not opposed and connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the terminal fitting into two independently movable members, the design enables the first member to accommodate circuit board deformation through relative displacement while the second member maintains the terminal connecting portion's position. This segmentation allows adaptive response to deformation without compromising the opposition and connection reliability with the mating terminal fitting.
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 design ensures reliable connection by maintaining proper alignment of terminal connecting portions and reducing the load on board connecting portions, thereby enhancing overall connection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
If the connector is heated using a heating device such as a reflow furnace, the housing and the circuit board may be deformed to warp due to a heat load. There is a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the housing and the circuit board.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to provide a terminal fitting and a connector capable of ensuring connection reliability. A terminal fitting includes a terminal connecting portion to be connected to a mating terminal fitting and a board connecting portion to be connected to a circuit board. The terminal connecting portion is provided in a first member. The board connecting portion is provided in a second member different from the first member. The first member and the second member are so coupled that relative positions of the terminal connecting portion and the board connecting portion are displaceable. A housing includes a supporting portion for rotatably supporting the first member and the second member.