Automotive Auxiliary Socket Integrated Ring Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive electrical sockets for occasional power supply of accessories are costly to produce and assemble, with complex structures that complicate mounting and may compromise reliability and durability, especially under frequent use conditions.

Innovation Solution

A simplified, cost-effective female electrical socket design featuring a unitary body and one-piece assembly with integrated interlocking mechanisms for easy assembly and robust integration onto vehicle structural elements, utilizing a single molding operation for the ring and connector, and incorporating radial and axial positioning means for secure connection to vehicle terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional multi-component socket structure is used, then the electrical connection reliability is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsocket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (ring, connector, first conductive element, second conductive element) into a single integrated socket body. The ring and connector are merged into one piece, and the conductive elements are integrated directly into the socket structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated socket body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and retention (ring function), electrical insulation and connection (connector function), and electrical conduction (conductive elements function). This multi-functionality in a single component reduces the number of parts needed and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a simplified socket structure is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the assembly robustness and electrical connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket structure simplicityVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

While the socket body is integrated, the patent maintains functional segmentation through distinct zones: the ring portion for mechanical retention, the connector portion for electrical insulation, and the conductive elements for electrical connection. This functional segmentation within an integrated structure ensures that each function is properly performed while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated socket structure is designed to self-align and self-secure during assembly. The ring and connector form a unified structure that automatically positions itself during installation, and the conductive elements are pre-positioned within the socket body, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional assembly methods are used, then the connection durability is ensured, but the assembly time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The socket components are pre-integrated into a single assembled unit during manufacturing. The ring, connector, and conductive elements are formed and positioned together in one manufacturing process, so that during vehicle assembly, the entire socket can be installed as a single component without requiring multiple assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If an integrated one-piece design is used, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidmolding precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated socket body exhibits local quality variations appropriate to each functional zone. The ring portion has properties optimized for mechanical retention, the connector portion has properties optimized for electrical insulation, and the conductive elements have properties optimized for electrical conduction. This localized material property distribution allows each function to be performed effectively within the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2127043B1Auxiliary electric socket for automobile

Publication Date: 2016.01.06 VALEO VISION SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an auxiliary electric socket for an automobile. The socket includes a unit body (3) that comprises a connection tab (9) and a barrel (8) for receiving a plug. The socket also includes a single-block assembly (4) including a connector (10) and a ring (1). The ring receives the barrel (8) and defines a connection member of the socket with a structural member of the vehicle. The unit body (3) and the single-block assembly (4) include assembling and positioning means for joining them together.