Flexible Carrier Electrical Connector with Integrated Signal Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors for data transmission in motor vehicles lack enhanced functionality, particularly in integrating additional components like signal filtering directly into the connector, which limits their performance.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector design featuring a flexible carrier that encloses plug elements in a ring shape, allowing an electrical component to be integrated on the carrier, which is in contact with the plug elements via conductor tracks, enabling flexible placement and secure connection through material bonding, thus facilitating signal filtering and other functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electrical component is integrated into an electrical connector, then additional functions such as signal filtering can be performed directly on the connector, but the structural complexity of the connector increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical component with the connector housing into a single integrated unit. The electrical component is mounted on a circuit board that is directly integrated into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the connector elements, houses the electrical component for signal processing, and integrates the circuit board for electrical connections. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structure to perform both mechanical and electrical functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is used to integrate an electrical component into a connector, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility during assembly and installation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility during assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a modular design where the electrical component and circuit board can be independently assembled and replaced. The circuit board is designed with flexible mounting options that allow for easy insertion and removal during assembly, while the final integrated structure provides sufficient stability for operation. This dynamic approach enables flexibility during manufacturing and installation while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3467960B1Electric plug connector
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 MD ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP3467960B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3467960B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3467960B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising at least two electrical plug elements (111-114) extending side by side along a longitudinal direction (L), each of which is to be connected to a conductor (11-14) of an associated electrical cable (1), with insulation (6, 7) in which the plug elements (111-114) are received, and with an electrical component (3) that is in electrical contact with each of the plug elements (111-114). The electrical component (3) is arranged on the inner side (I) of a flexible carrier (30) facing the plug elements (111-114), the carrier being annular in cross-section surrounding the plug elements (111-114).