Automotive Connector Latch Cover for Paint and Moisture Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive connectors are vulnerable to damage from moisture, dirt, paint, and impact, which can hinder the functioning of the fastening latch mechanism, especially during paint procedures where paint can freeze the mechanism, preventing engagement or disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A protection cover designed to cover the fastening latch mechanism of automotive connectors, featuring a push fit mechanism with hook-like legs for universal fitment, made of rubber-like material for flexibility and impact damping, allowing for easy installation and access while preventing paint, moisture, dirt, and impact ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector is completely covered with paint during painting procedure, then the connector surface is fully protected, but the latch mechanism becomes frozen and cannot be engaged or disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover segments the connector protection by covering only the latch mechanism area while leaving other parts exposed. This selective coverage allows paint to be applied to the connector body while the latch mechanism remains protected, resolving the contradiction between complete surface protection and latch accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the latch mechanism and paint. This intermediate protective layer prevents direct contact between paint and the latch mechanism, allowing the connector to be painted while maintaining latch functionality.
2Strength
If the protection cover is made of rigid material, then impact protection is improved, but the cover cannot be easily removed for maintenance access
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The flexible material allows the cover to be easily deformed and removed for maintenance while still providing impact protection when in place, resolving the contradiction between rigid protection and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection cover is made of flexible material that can deform under manual manipulation for easy removal during maintenance, yet maintains sufficient structural integrity to provide impact protection. This flexible shell approach resolves the contradiction between rigidity for protection and flexibility for accessibility.
3Reliability
If the protection cover covers the entire connector, then maximum protection is provided, but access to the latch mechanism for disconnecting cable is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover is designed to cover only the specific latch mechanism area rather than the entire connector. This segmented approach provides targeted protection where needed while leaving other areas accessible, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive protection and operational accessibility.
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
Ensures the continued functionality of the locking mechanism by protecting it from harmful external influences, maintaining a secure mechanical and electrical connection, and allowing for easy maintenance access without removing the cover, while providing continuous protection against moisture, dirt, and impact.
Implementation Method 1
made of rubber-like material for flexibility and impact damping
Implementation Method 2
made of rubber-like material for flexibility
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a protection cover (100) configured to cover an automotive connector and to protect a fastening latch mechanism of the automotive connector from paint, particles, humidity and/or liquids.