Connector System for Vehicle Window Electrical Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting electrical heating lines and antenna conductors on motor vehicle windows, such as soldering, are complex and require tools, making it difficult to replace windows while maintaining electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a locking device and electrical contact elements that can be mechanically connected to a connector holding device, allowing for secure electrical contact without soldering or adhesives, enabling easy installation and reinstallation on vehicle windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soldering is used to connect cables to bus lines on motor vehicle windows, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical connector system that uses insertion and locking mechanisms. The connector comprises a contact element that mechanically engages with the bus line through a locking device, eliminating the need for soldering tools and complex thermal processes while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If soldering is used to connect cables to bus lines, then electrical connection is established, but window replacement becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidwindow replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical connection system into separable components: a connector that can be detached from the bus line and reattached to a replacement window. This segmentation allows the window to be replaced independently while maintaining the electrical connection through simple reattachment of the connector, significantly easing repair and replacement processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If direct gluing of cables to the pane is used, then connection is simplified, but the connection becomes permanent and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidconnection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic connector system that transitions from a fixed glued connection to a movable, detachable connection. The locking device allows the connector to be securely attached during operation but easily detached when needed, providing both stability during use and flexibility for maintenance or window replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates simple, tool-free electrical connections on motor vehicle windows, ensuring reliable contact even during vibrations, and allows for easy replacement of windows by attaching a new connector holding device with adhesive.

Implementation Method 1

the base element of the connector holding device can be glued to a surface, in particular a window of a motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2096718B8Connector system, utilisation, method, connector holding device and connector
Publication Date: 2014.02.26 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

In summary, the present invention relates to a connector system (9) comprising: a connector holding device (2) and at least one connector (5), wherein - the connector (5) comprises a locking device (52) and at least one electrical contact element (66), - the connector holding device (2) comprises a base element (20) and a first complementary locking device (30), - the locking device (52) and the first complementary locking device (30) are arranged and designed such that the connector (5) can be locked to the connector holding device (2), and wherein - the base element (20) of the connector holding device (2) can be adhered to a surface (100), in particular a window of a motor vehicle,that at least one electrical contact element (66) of the connector (5) locked with the connector holding device (2) is electrically contactable with an electrical contact area (110) of the surface (100), as well as a use, a method, a connector holding device and a connector.