Three-Way Electrical Connector Assembly for Compact Reliable Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack the ability to connect with a third electrical connector, such as a vehicle control unit, which hinders miniaturization and multi-functionality, and are prone to electrical faults due to poor contact.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with integrated conductive terminals having multiple connecting portions that extend in different directions, allowing connection with three connectors, including a vehicle control unit, and featuring a compact design with stamped and bent metal sheets for efficient production and reduced fault risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical connectors with two connecting portions are used, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector cannot connect with a third electrical connector and is not adaptable to space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive terminal is designed with three connecting portions extending in different directions, enabling a single terminal to connect with three different electrical connectors (first electrical connector, second electrical connector, and third electrical connector). This multi-functional design allows the connector assembly to serve multiple connection purposes simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple separate connectors are used to achieve three-way connection, then each connector can be simple, but the overall assembly volume is large and not suitable for space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three connecting portions into a single conductive terminal body, merging what would traditionally require three separate connectors or terminal components. This consolidation reduces the overall assembly volume and eliminates the need for multiple separate connection components, directly addressing the volume reduction goal while managing integration complexity through a unified terminal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The three connecting portions extend in different spatial directions (first direction, second direction, and third direction) from the same terminal body, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple connections to be achieved without increasing the footprint or assembly volume, as the connections are distributed in different spatial dimensions rather than requiring additional planar space.
3Reliability
If multiple separate terminals are used for three-way connection, then each terminal can be simple, but the number of connection points increases and risk of electrical fault due to poor contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three connecting portions into a single integrated conductive terminal, reducing the number of separate connection points from what would traditionally be required (multiple separate terminals) to a unified structure. This integration minimizes the number of potential failure points while maintaining all necessary electrical connections, directly improving reliability by eliminating redundant connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes an insulative housing and a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector and a third electrical connector which are provided on the insulative housing; wherein the first electrical connector is provided with a plurality of conductive terminals, the third electrical connector is provided with a plurality of contacting terminals, each conductive terminal includes a main body and a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a third connecting portion which extend outwardly from the main body; wherein the first connecting portions of conductive terminals act as a first mating portion of the first electrical connector, the second connecting portions of the conductive terminals act as a second mating portion of the second electrical connector, and the third connecting portions of the conductive terminals are electrically connected respectively with the contacting terminals of the third electrical connector.