Coated Spring Contact for Vehicle Antenna Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-type contacts used in vehicles for connecting antenna amplifiers to antenna structures on two-dimensional components, such as vehicle windows, are prone to damage and corrosion due to material mismatch between the contact surfaces and the spring-type contacts, leading to broken contacts and insufficient contact pressure.
Innovation Solution
The spring-type contacts are coated with materials matching the contact surfaces to prevent corrosion, and the number and width of blades can be varied to adjust contact forces and reduce wear, with the anchored end designed for precise positioning on a support frame to ensure correct orientation and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spring-type contacts are made from a single base material for simplicity of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to material mismatch with contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by coating only the contact points of the spring blades with corrosion-resistant materials matching the contact surfaces, rather than making the entire spring from a single material. This localized approach provides corrosion resistance where needed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a base material (such as spring steel) with coating materials (such as silver, gold, or other conductive coatings) applied to the contact points. This creates a multi-material structure that leverages the mechanical properties of the base material and the corrosion/electrical properties of the coating materials.
2Reliability
If the spring-type contact is compressed between contact surfaces to ensure good electrical contact, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the risk of blade damage and breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the spring blades, including their cross-sectional shape, thickness distribution, and curvature radius. These parameter optimizations allow the blades to withstand compression forces while maintaining flexibility and preventing breakage, achieving both good electrical contact and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the contact points are made larger to reduce contact resistance, then electrical conductivity is improved, but wear and material loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant coatings specifically at the contact points. These coatings reduce material loss and wear while maintaining good electrical conductivity, addressing both requirements simultaneously through localized material protection.
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 effectively prevents corrosion and damage, ensures optimal contact pressure, and allows for adjustable contact forces and wear reduction, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of spring-type contacts in vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the coating of the spring-type contact is matched to the material of the contact surface... This enables corrosion of the contact to be largely prevented or even completely prevented
Implementation Method 2
a spring-type contact for conducting electricity between a pair of juxtaposed but spaced contact surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of confronting and spaced contact surfaces of a predetermined conductive material are electrically interconnected by a spring-type contact that is between the surfaces. The contact has an anchored end secured to one of the surfaces, an opposite free end, and a plurality of blades unitary with and extending between the ends and each having a bowed section engaging a respective contact surface. These bowed sections of the contact extend in opposite directions toward the contact surfaces and form contact points engageable with the respective contact surfaces. A coating on each of the contact points is of a material matched to the conductive material of the contact surfaces.