Steering Wheel Heater Current Connection Using Central Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for transmitting current between a stationary housing part and a rotating rotor, such as for a motor vehicle's steering wheel heater, require multiple parallel flat ribbon cables due to high current demands, resulting in a complex and bulky design with many components.
Innovation Solution
A connection apparatus utilizing a central plug connector between end plug connectors, allowing two independent lines to be transmitted through a single flat ribbon cable, with the central plug connector extending along the ribbon's length and end plug connectors arranged to facilitate parallel arrangement and secure latching, enabling efficient current transmission with a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple parallel flat ribbon cables are used to transmit large current quantities, then the current transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple current transmission functions into a single flat ribbon cable by incorporating a central plug connector with multiple contact points. This central connector integrates the functionality of what would otherwise require multiple separate cables, reducing component count while maintaining the ability to transmit large current quantities through multiple parallel lines within one cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The central plug connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides multiple independent current transmission lines, acts as a connection interface between housing and rotor, and enables both power supply and signal transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each function, resolving the contradiction between current transmission capability and device complexity.
2Power
If multiple parallel flat ribbon cables are used to transmit large current quantities, then the current transmission capability is improved, but the compactness of the design deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple current transmission paths into a single flat ribbon cable with a central plug connector, the patent achieves high current transmission capability without the space requirements of multiple separate cables. The integrated structure occupies less volume while providing equivalent or superior electrical connectivity.
3Device complexity
If a single flat ribbon cable is used with a central plug connector, then the number of components is reduced, but the current transmission capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The central plug connector is segmented into multiple contact points and lines, creating independent current transmission paths within a single cable structure. This segmentation allows the single flat ribbon cable to handle large current quantities by distributing current across multiple parallel lines, maintaining power transmission capability while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple current-carrying lines are contained within the single flat ribbon cable, and the central plug connector integrates these lines. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to coexist within a compact single-cable design, maintaining high current transmission capability while minimizing the number of external components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device for transmitting electric current, in particular for a steering wheel heater of a motor vehicle, between a stationary housing part and a rotor which can rotate with respect to the housing part, comprising a flat ribbon cable and end plug connectors which are provided in the region of the free ends of the flat ribbon cable. The invention is characterized in that the flat ribbon cable has a central plug connector which is placed between the end plug connectors and is intended to be arranged on the rotor side or housing side, from which central plug connector at least one line runs to one end plug connector and one line to the other end plug connector, wherein the two end plug connectors are intended to be arranged on the housing side or rotor side. The invention also relates to a steering column/steering wheel transmission unit with a connection apparatus of this type.