Alternating Row Contacting Device Grid Dimension Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contacting devices for vehicles have a grid dimension that is largely determined by the diameter of the cables, making it difficult to achieve a smaller grid size, especially with minimal cable diameters, which limits their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The contacting device features alternating groups of contact elements arranged in rows, where the connection elements of one group are attached to opposite ends of the contact areas of another group, allowing for closer packing and independent selection of the grid size, enabling the lines to leave the device in different directions or planes, thus reducing the grid dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If contact elements are arranged in a row with lines in the same plane, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the grid dimension is determined by the cable diameter and cannot be reduced below a certain size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of contact elements and lines to a three-dimensional configuration where contact elements are arranged in multiple rows at different heights. The first contact elements are arranged in a first row at a first height, while the second contact elements are arranged in a second row at a second height, allowing lines to be routed in three-dimensional space and reducing the grid dimension in the horizontal plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where contact elements are organized in multiple hierarchical levels. The first contact elements and second contact elements are positioned at different heights, creating a nested structure that allows compact packing. This nested configuration enables the grid dimension to be reduced while maintaining electrical connectivity, as the vertical stacking allows more contact elements to be packed into a smaller horizontal area.
2Area of stationary object
If contact elements are arranged alternately in rows, then the grid size can be reduced and miniaturization is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact elements into distinct groups: first contact elements arranged in a first row at a first height, and second contact elements arranged in a second row at a second height. This segmentation allows each group to be independently positioned and connected to lines, enabling the alternating row configuration that reduces grid dimension while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the vertical dimension with contact elements at different heights (first height and second height), the patent creates a three-dimensional alternating row structure. This dimensional change allows contact elements to be packed more densely in the horizontal plane while the vertical separation simplifies the routing of lines, as lines can connect to contact elements at their respective heights without interfering with adjacent contact elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) has contact elements (16a,16b) that are provided with a contact portion (20) for electrical contact with a complementary contact element (18) of the contact carrier. A connecting element (22) is used for connecting the contact element with a conduit (24). The contact elements are arranged in the alternate manner. The connecting elements of contact elements are attached to respective ends of the contact portion. An independent claim is included for a control device for vehicle.