Plug Connector Adapter With Matching Circuit for Vehicle Model Variants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle devices, such as sensors and actuators, require frequent adaptations and new developments due to changes in vehicle models, leading to increased tooling, development, testing, and certification costs.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a matching circuit that includes features like a control unit, sensor element, converter, encryption circuit, protective circuit, and sealing elements, allowing devices to be adapted to different vehicle models without modifying the device itself, and enabling secure, protocol conversion, and protection against overvoltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are frequently adapted or newly developed for different motor vehicle models, then the devices can be optimized for specific vehicle models, but the tooling, development, testing, and certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a device that remains unchanged and an adapter that provides model-specific adaptations. The adapter contains a matching circuit that interfaces between the device and different vehicle models, allowing the device itself to be manufactured once while the adapter is customized for each vehicle model.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the device and the vehicle model. It includes a matching circuit that translates or adapts signals, protocols, or electrical characteristics between the standardized device interface and the varying vehicle model requirements, eliminating the need to modify the device for each model.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are modified or newly developed for each motor vehicle model, then the devices can be optimized for specific models, but the testing and certification time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device from the adaptation functionality, the device undergoes testing and certification only once. The adapter, being a standardized interface component, requires minimal re-testing when adapted to different vehicle models, significantly reducing the time and cost of repeated certification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple vehicle models through its matching circuit. This multi-functionality allows a single adapter design to serve multiple purposes across different models, reducing the need for extensive re-certification for each model variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter with a matching circuit is used to adapt devices to different vehicle models, then the device itself does not need to be modified, but the adapter requires development, approval, certification, and testing
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter with its matching circuit serves as an intermediary that absorbs all the complexity of adaptation requirements. Rather than modifying the simple, reliable device, the complex adaptation logic is isolated in the adapter, which can be developed and certified once and then reused across multiple vehicle models.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching circuit in the adapter can be replicated or copied across different adapter instances for various vehicle models. This allows the adaptation functionality to be standardized and reused, reducing the overall development and certification burden compared to modifying each device individually for each model.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter, including a first plug connector part for electrical and mechanical connection to a cable, a second plug connector part for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical and/or electronic device, and a housing. The first and second plug connector parts being provided in or on a wall of the housing or being part of the housing. The adapter including at least one matching circuit, which is connected to contacts of the first and second plug connector parts via electrical lines.