Blind Electrical Connector with Integrated Sealing and Snap-in Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind electrical connectors for vehicle accessories, such as coolant pumps, are not optimized for size, weight, and efficiency, and often require pigtail wiring harnesses, which increase costs and reduce reliability.
Innovation Solution
A blind electrical connector with an elongated housing, flexible arm members, and a flange member for sealing, which integrates electronics directly into the device without a pigtail wiring harness, using compliant pin members and an alignment opening for secure and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pigtail wiring harnesses are used to connect electrical devices, then electrical connection can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector and sealing function into a single integrated housing structure. The housing simultaneously provides electrical connection through integrated contacts and environmental sealing through integrated seals, eliminating the need for separate pigtail wiring harnesses and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, electrical connection through integrated contacts, environmental sealing through integrated seals, and mechanical attachment through flange members. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and reduces device complexity
2Reliability
If traditional blind connectors are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but weight and size are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into functional modules: a housing containing integrated contacts, separate sealing members, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function with minimal material usage, reducing overall weight while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lightweight materials such as plastic or polymer for the housing instead of traditional heavy metals, while maintaining structural integrity and electrical connection reliability. The design optimizes wall thickness and structural geometry to minimize weight without compromising strength
3Reliability
If blind connectors are used in inaccessible locations, then electrical connection is achieved, but sealing against environmental factors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates multiple sealing mechanisms including gaskets, O-rings, and sealed barriers directly into the connector structure. This integration ensures that environmental sealing is built-in rather than added separately, providing reliable protection against moisture and contaminants in blind connection locations
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing members such as gaskets and O-rings act as intermediary elements between the connector housing and the mating surface, creating a barrier that prevents environmental factors from entering the electrical connection interface while maintaining reliable electrical contact
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces costs and improves efficiency by eliminating the need for pigtail wiring harnesses, while maintaining reliability and durability, and is suitable for various vehicle accessories.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of flexible arm members 16, 18 are positioned at the second end 11b of the connector
Implementation Method 2
The sealing member 40 also creates resistance which assists in tightly holding the connector in place
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector with snap-in compliant arm members, an alignment member and a plurality of pin members for mating with openings on a PCB.