Identical Wavetrap Housing for Vehicle Defroster Circuit Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wavetrap systems for vehicle defroster circuits are costly due to the need for two completely different components for the positive and negative sides, increasing complexity and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective wavetrap system is designed with identical housings and components for both the plus and minus wavetraps, sharing the same structure and components such as inductors, capacitors, and terminals, reducing part count and tooling costs, while maintaining electrical isolation and functionality for both sides of the defroster circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different components are used for positive and negative side wavetraps, then electrical isolation functionality is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single wavetrap component that can be used for both the positive and negative sides of the defroster circuit. The identical housing design with symmetrically positioned terminals allows the same component to serve dual purposes, replacing the need for different positive and negative side wavetraps while maintaining electrical isolation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical isolation function into identical modular units that can be independently installed on both sides of the circuit. Each wavetrap housing contains discrete electrical components (inductor, capacitor, resistors) that are separately mounted and connected, allowing the system to achieve isolation through multiple identical simple units rather than one complex asymmetric design.
2Reliability
If different components are used for positive and negative side wavetraps, then electrical isolation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identical housing design enables universal manufacturing processes and tooling for both positive and negative side wavetraps. The same mold, assembly fixtures, and quality control procedures can be used for producing both components, significantly reducing tooling costs and manufacturing complexity compared to producing two different component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the design of positive and negative side wavetraps into a single unified component specification. This consolidation allows the manufacturing department to treat both sides as the same part number, enabling bulk production, shared inventory management, and reduced setup costs while maintaining the necessary electrical isolation functionality.
3Device complexity
If identical components are used for both wavetraps, then cost and complexity are reduced, but electrical isolation effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the electrical components (inductor, capacitor, resistors) differently within identical housings depending on whether the wavetrap is installed on the positive or negative side of the circuit. The same physical housing design accommodates side-specific component arrangements that ensure proper electrical isolation characteristics for each circuit side while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the housing identical and the internal component configurations variable. Instead of having different housings with fixed internal arrangements, the design allows the same housing to accommodate inverted or varied component configurations based on the installation side, ensuring electrical isolation effectiveness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 solution reduces the overall cost and complexity of the wavetrap system by utilizing identical components for both the plus and minus wavetraps, enhancing reliability and efficiency while maintaining effective electrical isolation and functionality for the vehicle defroster circuit.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor has a coil extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the wire end of the defroster wire.
Implementation Method 2
The housing has a capacitor pocket that receives a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A wavetrap includes a housing having a base including a base plate. The housing has a wire channel, an inductor pocket and a terminal pocket. The housing has a capacitor pocket that receives a capacitor. The wavetrap includes a defroster wire having a wire end received in the wire channel. The defroster wire extends from the housing for connection to a vehicle defroster circuit. The wavetrap includes an inductor supported by the base plate. The inductor is received in the inductor pocket. The inductor has a coil extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the wire end of the defroster wire. The wavetrap includes a ground terminal supported by the base plate. The ground terminal is received in the terminal pocket. The ground terminal is electrically connected to a ground circuit.