Adjustable Electrical Connector for Tractor Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical plugs for tractor-trailer vehicles face issues with secure fitting due to varying receptacle depths/angles and lack of connection indication, leading to potential disconnection during operation and uncertainty about trailer system power status.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length electrical connector plug with a movable collar, locking mechanism, and indicator lights, along with a hinged handle for easy disengagement, ensuring secure fitting and visual confirmation of connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length electrical plug is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot securely fit into receptacles with different depths/angles
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector incorporates a telescoping mechanism with movable inner and outer tubes that allow the connector length to dynamically adjust. The inner tube can slide within the outer tube to extend or retract the connector length, enabling secure engagement with receptacles of varying depths while maintaining a compact stored configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector length parameter is made variable through the telescoping mechanism. By changing the extended length of the inner tube relative to the outer tube, the connector can adapt its effective length to match different receptacle depths, transforming a fixed-parameter design into a variable-parameter solution.
2Loss of information
If no connection indication is provided, then the device is simpler, but there is no way to tell if all trailer systems are properly powered and connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates indicator lights that provide visual feedback about the connection status. These lights illuminate to indicate when the connector is properly engaged with the receptacle and when electrical power is successfully transmitted, giving operators immediate information about system connectivity without adding complex diagnostic equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights use color changes (typically green for connected/powerful, red or yellow for disconnected or warning states) to communicate connection status. This visual signaling system provides intuitive information about trailer system power status through simple color indicators rather than complex displays or text messages.
3Reliability
If the plug is securely locked in place, then connection reliability is improved, but disconnection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a movable collar that can be positioned at different locations along the outer tube. When engaged, the collar locks the inner tube at a specific extended length, providing secure connection. When disengagement is needed, the collar can be moved to release the lock, allowing easy removal. This dynamic positioning system provides both secure locking and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer tubes. It provides the locking function by engaging with features on both tubes, securing the connection. For disconnection, the collar serves as the operational interface that, when moved or actuated, releases the locking engagement, facilitating easy removal without requiring force or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector plug configured for use with tractor-trailers has an elongated housing having a hollow interior. A female electrical connector is coupled to a first end of the housing. An electrical cable is coupled to a second end of the housing. A ridge member is formed on a top surface of the housing. A collar is movable along a length of the housing. A locking mechanism is used to secure the collar at different lengths on the housing. A handle is hingly coupled to the collar to disengage the electrical connector plug from an electrical connector.