Vehicle Ground Connector Rib Structure for Vibration Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ground joint connectors for vehicles experience stress concentration and potential damage due to vibrations transmitted from the vehicle body and electric wires, which can lead to connector failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a conductive metal connection member with reinforcing ribs on both sides of the fixed plate, which is partially covered by a resin housing, effectively distributes the load from vibrations and reduces stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixed plate is firmly fixed to the vehicle body, then the connection member achieves stable installation, but stress concentration occurs near the fixed plate due to transmitted vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating reinforcing ribs at specific locations (both sides of the fixed plate in the width direction) rather than uniformly strengthening the entire structure. These ribs are strategically positioned to address stress concentration at critical points while maintaining overall installation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the metal connection member with a resin housing through insert molding. The resin covering on the reinforcing ribs provides both mechanical reinforcement and stress distribution, creating a composite structure that enhances overall strength while maintaining stable installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connection member structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connection member becomes vulnerable to vibration damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the housing structure: the housing provides both electrical insulation and mechanical reinforcement. The reinforcing ribs are integrated into the housing design and covered by resin, combining structural support with protective enclosure in a single manufactured component.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert molding process creates a composite structure where the resin housing and metal connection member work together. The resin material provides vibration damping and stress distribution while the metal provides electrical conductivity and structural strength, achieving enhanced reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 damage to the connection member by distributing the load from vehicle vibrations, thereby enhancing the connector's durability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
both vibration from the body and vibration from the electric wire are transmitted to the connection member, and thus stress may be concentrated near the fixed plate of the connection member
Implementation Method 2
stress may be concentrated near the fixed plate of the connection member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a connection 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 pair of reinforcing ribs raised from the fixed plate is formed on both sides of the fixed plate in a width direction, and each of the reinforcing ribs is partially covered by a covering part projecting from the housing.