Vehicle Ground Connector Rib Structure for Support Plate Heat Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ground joint connectors for vehicles experience excessive temperature increases due to current concentration in the support plate, which can lead to thermal management issues and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a conductive metal connection member with a support plate and ribs, insert molded into a resin housing, which helps distribute heat and reduce temperature increases by providing enhanced heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current is supplied through the tabs and merges at the support plate, then the electrical connection function is achieved, but excessive heat is generated due to current concentration in the support plate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional current path (tabs merging at support plate) to a three-dimensional heat dissipation structure by adding ribs that extend in the width direction. This dimensional extension creates additional heat dissipation surfaces and pathways, allowing heat to dissipate laterally rather than concentrating at the merger point of tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs act as intermediary heat dissipation structures between the support plate and the surrounding environment. These ribs serve as thermal conduits that transfer heat away from the concentrated current path area, functioning as intermediate heat transfer elements that mediate between the heat source (support plate) and the dissipation medium (air/surroundings).
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 proposed connector effectively suppresses excessive temperature increases in the connection member, ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan by utilizing the ribs for improved heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a current supplied from the mating connector passes through the tabs of the connection member, merges at the support plate, and is supplied from the fixed plate to the vehicle body. At this time, the amount of heat generated in the support plate may increase due to the concentration of the current in the support plate.
Implementation Method 2
A pair of ribs raised from the fixed plate is formed on both sides of a portion in a width direction which is close to the support plate from the bolt insertion hole in the fixed plate. The above configuration makes it possible to provide a connector capable of suppressing an excessive increase in temperature of a connection member.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a ground terminal member, which is formed of a conductive metal material, having a plurality of tabs; and a resin housing in which a portion of the connection member is insert molded. The connection member includes: a fixed plate fixed to a vehicle; a support plate raised from the fixed plate; and a base part connected continuously to the support plate and in which the plurality of tabs are formed so as to project. A bolt insertion hole is formed in the fixed plate, and a pair of reinforcing ribs raised from the fixed plate is formed on both sides of a portion in a width direction which is close to the support plate from the bolt insertion hole in the fixed plate.