Vehicle Electric Compressor Connector Rib Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric compressors for vehicles experience dislocation and abrasion between connectors due to vibrations, leading to inefficiencies in electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rib structure between the inner and outer surfaces of the connectors, made of resin, which increases the contact points and enhances the holding force, preventing dislocation and wear by filling the gap between the connectors and improving vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power wire is connected to the first connector and the second connector is fitted to the first connector, then electrical connection between the in-vehicle power supply and the inverter is achieved, but relative dislocation and abrasion occur between the connectors due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a rib structure that extends in the radial direction (another dimension) from the inner surface of the receiving portion. This radial extension creates additional contact points with the outer surface of the insertion portion, transforming a simple fitted connection into a multi-point constrained connection that resists vibrational dislocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib acts as an intermediary structural element between the receiving portion and the insertion portion. It mediates the connection by providing intermediate contact points that distribute and stabilize the mechanical interface, preventing direct relative movement between the main connector bodies during vibration.
2Device complexity
If the connectors are fitted together without additional structural features, then the device complexity is low, but vibration causes dislocation and abrasion between the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: the inner surface that receives the insertion portion and the rib that extends radially outward. This segmentation allows each surface to perform a specific function - the inner surface provides the primary fit while the rib provides additional contact points, achieving reliable connection without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire connector structure more complex, the invention applies a localized feature (the rib) only where needed - on the inner surface of the receiving portion. This local quality approach enhances connection reliability at the critical interface between connectors while keeping the rest of the connector structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric compressor for a vehicle includes an inverter, a motor, and a first connector and a second connector electrically connecting an in-vehicle power supply and the motor with the first connector and the second connector being fitted to each other. The first connector includes a tubular receiving portion made of resin and a first conductive portion disposed inside the receiving portion. The second connector includes a tubular insertion portion made of resin and insertable into the receiving portion, and a second conductive portion disposed inside the insertion portion and connected to the first conductive portion. A rib is disposed between an inner surface of the receiving portion and an outer surface of the insertion portion. The rib is formed integrally with one of the inner surface and the outer surface, and is in contact with the other of the inner surface and the outer surface.