Grounding Electrical Component via Centering Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for earthing electrical components, such as electric motor actuators in heat engine air circuits, require additional components and dedicated space, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a centering component within the body and an electrically conductive tongue on the cover, which establishes electrical contact between the cover, centering component, and body, allowing indirect earthing of the electrical component during assembly, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional component such as a spring is used to ensure earthing of the electrical component, then the electrical contact reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional components and dedicated zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering function and the earthing function into a single centering component. The centering component serves dual purposes: positioning the cover correctly during assembly and providing an electrical contact path to ground the electrical component, thereby eliminating the need for separate earthing components like springs
Solution Approach 2:
The centering component is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical centering/positioning of the cover and electrical grounding of the electrical component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining reliable electrical contact
2Reliability
If an additional component is used for earthing, then the electrical contact is ensured, but the manufacturing cost and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The earthing function is merged into the centering component, which is already required for proper assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate earthing components and reduces assembly steps, as the centering component is already positioned during normal assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The centering component automatically provides the electrical contact path without requiring additional assembly operations or dedicated positioning steps. The component serves itself by providing both mechanical centering and electrical grounding functions through its inherent structure and position
3Reliability
If dedicated zones are allocated for contact with additional components, then the electrical contact reliability is improved, but the space utilization and design flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact function is merged into the centering component, eliminating the need for dedicated earthing zones on the cover or body. The centering component utilizes its own surface area to provide electrical contact, thereby preserving space on the stationary components for other functions
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
This solution enables simple, cost-effective earthing of electrical components by utilizing existing assembly processes, ensuring reliable electrical contact without additional components or dedicated space, while maintaining the functionality of the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically conductive tongue (18) moves into contact with the centering component (8) when the cover (3) is assembled on the body (2)... the tongue (18) is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive track (10) of the cover... The electrical component is thus earthed following the method
Data Source
AI summary
A method for grounding an electrical component received in a body (2) capable of being assembled to a cover (3), the cover (3) being in electrical contact with the electrical component when it is assembled on the body, said method involving: positioning the cover (3) relative to the body (2) using a centering piece (8) arranged in the body (2) and in electrical contact with the body (2), and assembling the cover (3) positioned in this way on the body (2) in such a way that the cover (3) is in electrical contact with the centering piece (8) and in electrical contact with the electrical component.