Airbag Ignition Connector Tensile Force Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for airbag ignition systems face issues with securely holding contact elements under tensile forces, especially when not precisely centered, which can lead to ferrite element stress and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a third holding means that fixes the contact element extension section to the open housing section, intercepting tensile forces near the cable connection, and features a securing section that engages in a recess to prevent pull-out forces from reaching the contact socket section, along with a cover that secures both contact elements and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is not precisely centered on the mating connector, then misalignment occurs, but the ferrite elements are subjected to greater stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector separates the holding functions into multiple independent holding means: first holding means for contact elements, second holding means for conductors, and third holding means for extension sections. This segmentation allows each holding means to independently manage specific components, preventing stress concentration on ferrite elements while maintaining alignment tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The third holding means acts as an intermediary that intercepts tensile forces near the cable connection point before they can transmit to the contact socket section and ferrite elements. This intermediary holding mechanism protects the ferrite elements from loading while facilitating easy connection even with misalignment.
2Reliability
If the contact element is securely held to prevent pull-out forces, then connection reliability improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates multiple holding functions into a unified structure: the first holding means secures contact elements, the second holding means secures conductors, and the third holding means secures extension sections. These combined holding mechanisms work together within the single housing structure to prevent pull-out forces and ensure connection reliability without requiring separate complex assemblies.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the ferrite element is protected from tensile forces, then element durability improves, but the holding mechanism for contact elements becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tensile force interception function from the contact element holding mechanism and places it in the third holding means that specifically targets the extension section near the cable connection. This extraction protects the ferrite elements from tensile forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the third holding means is specifically designed for this protective function rather than adding complexity to the existing contact element holding mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connectors for airbag ignition systems, for insertion into a plug-in chamber 3 of a mating connector 2 with contact pins 4 and for removal from the same along a connecting axis X, comprising: - two contact elements 28 made of an electrically conductive material, each having: - a contact socket section 29 with an outer surface 29b, which serves for connection with a contact pin 4 of the mating connector 2 along the connecting axis X, - a connecting section 32 for connection with a conductor 7 of a cable 6, and - a connecting section 30, which connects the contact socket section 29 to the connecting section 32, - an extension section extending from the connecting section 30 to the connecting section 32, - a housing made of an electrically insulating material, which has: - a plug-in section 9 for insertion into the plug-in chamber 3 of the mating connector 2.the through-holes for the contact pins 4, - an open housing section 10 which can be closed by a cover 11 and which has at least one first retaining means for each contact element 28 by which the connecting section 30 of the contact element 28 is fixed, and - second retaining means on the open housing section 10 and/or cover 11 which serve to hold at least one cable 6, and - third retaining means on the open housing section 10 by which the extension section is fixed.