Universal Terminal with Nested Overlap for Compact Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals require a large installation space due to their body size when connected, which complicates their use in narrow spaces, and they have high manufacturing costs due to the need for distinct male and female terminals.
Innovation Solution
The connection terminals are designed to overlap the electric wire connection portion of one terminal with the terminal connection portion of another, allowing for a compact configuration and reduced body size, while maintaining electrical contact through a plastically deformed contact portion sandwiched between parallel slits, enabling a single type of male-female common terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional male-female connection terminals are used with distinct structures, then manufacturing cost increases, but connection reliability is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal is designed with universal functionality where a single terminal structure can serve both male and female connection roles. The terminal includes a connection body with first and second connection portions that can connect with identical terminals, eliminating the need for separate male and female terminal types and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the previously separate male and female terminal designs into a single unified terminal structure. By integrating the connection features of both male and female terminals into one design, the patent reduces the variety of parts needed and simplifies the manufacturing process.
2Volume of moving object
If connection terminals are designed with overlapping configuration, then body size is reduced for compact installation, but connection alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal employs a nested configuration where the first connection portion is positioned to overlap with the second connection portion of a connected terminal. This nesting arrangement allows one terminal structure to be partially inserted into another, significantly reducing the overall body size and enabling compact installation in narrow spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal connection body is segmented into distinct first and second connection portions with specific spatial relationships. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its function while maintaining the overall compact overlapping structure, with the first connection portion designed to interface with the second connection portion of a mating terminal.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single type of connection terminal is used for both male and female connections, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but contact stability under inclination may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal incorporates an elastic deformation mechanism where the second connection portion can elastically deform to accommodate misalignment or inclination between connected terminals. This parameter change allows the contact interface to adapt to varying alignment conditions, maintaining stable electrical contact resistance even when terminals are slightly inclined relative to each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection terminal introduces dynamic adaptability through elastic deformation capabilities. The second connection portion is designed to flex and adjust its position dynamically, allowing the terminal to self-correct for minor misalignments and maintain reliable electrical contact under varying installation conditions.
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 reduces the body size of connected terminals, making them more compact for installation in narrow spaces while lowering manufacturing costs by using a single type of terminal, and ensures stable contact resistance even when terminals are slightly inclined.
Implementation Method 1
the terminal contact portion includes a plastically deformed part configured by a portion of the terminal connection portion which is sandwiched between a pair of parallel slits having a predetermined length along a terminal fitting direction of the terminal connection portion so as to protrude toward an inside of the terminal connection portion
Implementation Method 2
a plastically deformed part configured by a portion of the terminal connection portion which is sandwiched between a pair of parallel slits
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A connection terminal includes: a tubular electric wire connection portion configured to be tightened and crimped to an end portion of an electric wire; a tubular intermediate portion which includes one end continuously formed at one open end of the electric wire connection portion and which has a cross-sectional shape larger than a cross-sectional shape of the electric wire connection portion; and a tubular terminal connection portion which is continuously formed at another end of the intermediate portion and which has a cross-sectional shape larger than the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion. The connection terminal further includes a terminal contact portion which protrudes inwardly from the terminal connection portion.