Vehicle Handle Power Socket Lid Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply socket designs cannot be applied near the handle of a vehicle, as they require the lid to be removed from the top, making it difficult to supply electrical power to accessories positioned near the handle.
Innovation Solution
A lid retaining structure that includes a power supply socket with a main body portion and a lid, supported by a stay and component supporting section on the vehicle handle, allowing the lid to be retained in a space formed by the handle and flat section, preventing axial and directional movement, and enabling easy connection of external terminals for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply socket is arranged inside the storage box with the lid removable from the top, then the socket is protected from water and rain, but the socket cannot be positioned near the vehicle handle for accessories requiring handle proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the lid opening direction from vertical (top-removable) to horizontal (side-opening), enabling the socket to be positioned near the handle while maintaining protection. The lid rotates horizontally on a hinge axis perpendicular to the opening direction, allowing the socket entrance to face the handle area while the lid covers it when closed.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is completely removed from the power supply socket, then the socket is easily accessible, but the lid cannot be retained near the handle for convenient reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions the lid near the handle in a retained state using a stay mechanism during normal operation. When power supply is needed, the lid is temporarily removed for external terminal connection, then quickly returned to the retained position. The stay mechanism with elastic member automatically holds the lid nearby, eliminating the need to search for it after removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The stay acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lid and the socket body, providing a temporary holding position near the handle. The stay with elastic member creates a frictional retention system that holds the lid in an intermediate position between the closed socket and complete removal, facilitating quick reattachment.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is retained in a limited space near the handle, then the lid is easily accessible for reattachment, but the retention structure adds complexity to the handle assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, flexible stay component with an elastic member to retain the lid near the handle. The stay is a simple plate-like structure that can be easily integrated into the handle assembly without adding significant complexity. The elastic member provides automatic retention through friction without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems.
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
Enables the arrangement of a power supply socket near the vehicle handle, allowing for secure retention of the lid and efficient electrical power supply to accessories, such as navigation devices, by restricting lid movement and enhancing frictional retention through elastic members and strategic positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the lid and the connecting part are made from elastic members
Implementation Method 2
enhancing frictional retention through elastic members
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A component supporting section (20) of a lid retaining structure (10) is supported on a pipe handle (16), and a stay (38) is supported on the pipe handle (16) via the component supporting section (20). A main body portion (40) of a power supply socket (24) is supported on a main body supporting section (38d) such that an entrance (50) is located above the main body supporting section (38d) of the stay (38). In the event that a lid (36) that covers the entrance (50) is removed, the lid (36) is retained in a space (62) surrounded by the flat section (38c) of the stay (38), the pipe handle (16), and the component supporting section (20).