Integrated Wire-to-Flexible Conductor Connector With Recess Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for connecting electric wires to flexible conductive members in smart clothing result in high electric resistance and increased cost due to the need for a disconnectable connection site, leading to unreliable connections and larger device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first insulator with a protrusion portion and a second insulator with a recess portion, where the protrusion is housed in the recess, allowing the electric wire to be directly connected to the flexible conductor, reducing size and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disconnectable connection site is used between first connector and second connector, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but the device size is enlarged and connection reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the first connector and second connector into a single integrated connector body, eliminating the disconnectable connection site between separate connectors. This merging approach maintains ease of operation for connecting electric wires while significantly improving connection reliability by removing the interface between separate connector components.
2Ease of operation
If a disconnectable connection site is used between first connector and second connector, then the connector can be assembled and disassembled, but the device size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated connector body, eliminating the need for separate first and second connectors. This integration reduces the overall connector size by removing redundant structural elements and the interface between separate connector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector is designed with distinct functional regions: a first connector portion for receiving electric wires and a second connector portion for connecting to the flexible conductor. This segmentation within integration allows different connection types while maintaining a compact unified structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible conductor is used to form electrical path from electrode to connector attachment position, then the connection is flexible, but electric resistance becomes high and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection path into two segments: a flexible conductor portion connected to the electrode that requires flexibility, and a rigid electric wire portion connected to the wearable device that requires low resistance. The integrated connector serves as the transition point between these segments, allowing each material to be used where it performs best.
Data Source
AI summary
The connector includes a first insulator including a first retaining surface and a protrusion portion formed on and protruding from the first retaining surface, and a second insulator including a second retaining surface opposed to the first retaining surface and a recess portion formed in the second retaining surface and corresponding to the protrusion portion, the first insulator and the second insulator are connected to each other with the sheet type conductive member and the electric wire being held between the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface, and at least part of the protrusion portion is housed in the recess portion, whereby the conductor portion of the electric wire is electrically connected to the flexible conductor of the sheet type conductive member in the recess portion.