Motor Vehicle Coupling Socket Sealing and Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle trailer sockets face issues with moisture ingress due to incomplete sealing, leading to potential short circuits and malfunctions, and struggle to reliably detect when a plug is inserted or the cover is closed, especially when the socket is pivoted between operating and rest positions.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact magnetic switch is integrated into the socket to detect the presence of a magnet in the plug, and a proximity sensor is used to determine the closed state of the cover, ensuring the socket remains sealed without mechanical components that could compromise the seal, utilizing a spring-loaded seal and elastomeric materials for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microswitch with plunger is integrated into the socket to detect plug insertion, then plug detection is enabled, but moisture can penetrate into the connection area through the passage required for the plunger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microswitch with a magnetic field-based sensor system. A magnet is integrated into the plug, and a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall sensor or reed switch) is positioned in the socket housing to detect the magnet's presence without requiring mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for passages or openings that would compromise the sealing, thereby preventing moisture ingress while maintaining reliable plug detection capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the socket cover is designed to close the insertion opening when not in use, then sealing is improved, but the cover may collide with motor vehicle parts during pivoting if not fully seated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensor system that detects whether the cover is properly closed and provides feedback about the cover's position. This feedback mechanism ensures that the cover is fully seated before the socket is considered operational, preventing collision damage during pivoting while maintaining the sealing benefit of the closed cover position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is integrated into a swiveling trailer hitch, then adaptability is improved, but the limited pivoting space restricts the available adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the socket into a swiveling trailer hitch mechanism that allows dynamic positioning between a rest position (flush with the bumper) and a use position (projecting backward). The socket housing and internal components are designed to accommodate this dynamic movement, with the magnetic sensor and magnet arrangement maintaining functional alignment throughout the pivoting range, thereby providing adaptability without compromising the available adjustment space.
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
The solution effectively prevents moisture ingress and reliably detects plug insertion and cover closure, maintaining the socket's sealing integrity even during pivoting, thus preventing malfunctions and ensuring the electrical system's reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The plug sensor is designed as a non-contact magnetic switch, which detects the approach of a magnet to a contact of the magnetic switch that can be switched by the magnetic field of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
The magnet is arranged on a spring element, in particular a leaf spring, which is surrounded by the sealing material during manufacture of the seal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The socket (1) has a receptacle (2) fixed to a motor vehicle, and a contact carrier (4) arranged in the receptacle, where the carrier is connected with the receptacle as a single-piece. A cover (15) is attached to the receptacle and provided for closing an insertion opening (16) for a plug connector in a sealing manner in a non-usage condition. A proximity sensor (12) is attached to the socket for detecting closing condition of the cover in the receptacle. A seal (18) with elastomer characteristics is arranged in an insertion area formed between the receptacle and the carrier.