Generic Component Carrier for Vehicle Door Lock Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component carrier systems for motor vehicle door locks require different designs for connections in damp and wet rooms, leading to increased complexity and labor in production, as well as adjustments to other lock components.
Innovation Solution
A generic component carrier system with two or more connection elements that can be selectively activated using a corresponding conductor track structure, allowing for connections in either damp or wet rooms, with the conductor track structure embedded in the carrier element and connection elements during manufacturing, and modified as needed through processes like injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different designs are used for damp room and wet room connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and production labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single component carrier that can serve multiple functions - supporting both damp room and wet room connections through different conductor track structures. The carrier element with connection elements remains standardized, while only the conductor track structure varies to accommodate different environmental requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conductor track structure from the carrier element, allowing the conductor track to be modified or selected based on specific application requirements (damp room vs wet room) while keeping the main carrier element standardized. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation without redesigning the entire component carrier.
2Reliability
If different designs are used for damp room and wet room connections, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining standardized carrier elements and connection elements that can accommodate different conductor track structures. The carrier element is prepared in advance with mounting positions and connection points, allowing quick assembly with different conductor track configurations based on specific requirements, thereby maintaining high manufacturing productivity.
3Productivity
If standardized components are used for both damp and wet room connections, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different environmental conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the conductor track structure adaptable to different environmental conditions while keeping the main carrier element standardized. The conductor track can be modified locally - such as adding protective coatings, changing material properties, or adjusting trace patterns - to suit damp room or wet room requirements, allowing standardized production with localized adaptations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connection elements are selectively activated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling selective activation of connection elements through different conductor track structures. The system can dynamically adapt to different requirements (damp room vs wet room) by selecting or modifying the conductor track configuration, while the physical carrier element remains static and standardized. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through flexible conductor track design rather than complex mechanical or electronic switching mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Either or both of two plug connectors (5, 6) is/are activated, by selecting a track formation (3, 3', 3'') which is prepared for installation and corresponds with the desired activation. The track formation is flat. The basic track formation is converted by cutting off edges or shortening individual- or all tracks.