Vehicle Joint Connector Rib Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing joint connectors for vehicles lack sufficient strength in the rotation preventing portion, which can deform under strong forces due to the absence of ribs, compromising the structural integrity during bolt tightening.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rib structure that extends from the rotation preventing portion to the coupling through the conductive plate main body, enhancing the strength and stability of the rotation preventing portion and the conductive plate main body, while also allowing for easier insertion and press-working of the metal sheet without sudden thinning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If no rib is formed on the rotation preventing portion, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the rotation preventing portion may undergo deformation if a strong force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a rib structure that extends in a new dimension (from the back surface of the conductive plate toward the front surface) to strengthen the rotation preventing portion. This dimensional addition provides structural reinforcement without complicating the planar layout of the connector, resolving the contradiction between strength and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib is specifically positioned only where needed - extending from the back surface toward the front surface in the rotation preventing portion and coupling area, rather than uniformly across the entire plate. This localized reinforcement strengthens critical areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.
2Strength
If the rib height is high throughout, then the strength is maximized, but the rotation preventing portion cannot be inserted into the hole of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The rib height is locally varied: it extends fully from the back surface to the front surface in the coupling portion where maximum strength is needed, but only partially from the back surface toward the front surface in the rotation preventing portion. This local differentiation maintains insertion ease while providing sufficient strength where required.
Solution Approach 2:
In the rotation preventing portion, the rib provides partial reinforcement (extending only partway through the plate thickness) rather than full reinforcement. This partial action is sufficient to prevent deformation during insertion and operation, while avoiding excessive height that would prevent insertion into the body hole.
3Strength
If the rib height changes suddenly near the rotation preventing portion, then the structural integrity is improved, but the metal sheet becomes thinner by being pulled suddenly during press-working
Solution Approach 1:
The rib near the rotation preventing portion is designed with a gradually increasing height from the back surface, creating a tapered transition zone before reaching the full height. This preliminary gradual buildup prevents sudden stress concentration and metal thinning during press-working, while still achieving the required structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib incorporates a curved or tapered transition rather than a sharp angular change in height. This curved geometry distributes the forming stresses more evenly during press-working, preventing sudden metal thinning while maintaining the structural benefits of the rib reinforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint connector (10) collectively connects wires to a body (B) of a vehicle. The joint connector (10) has a conductive plate (30) with a main body (31) including a plurality of terminals (32B) to be connected to female terminals at ends of the wires and to be bolt-fastened to the body (B). A housing (20) is arranged around the terminals (32B). The conductive plate (30) includes a coupling portion (32A) for coupling the terminals (32B) to each other, a bolt fastening portion (34) with a bolt hole (35) through which a ground bolt (B2) is to be inserted, a rotation preventing piece (33) at a side of the bolt fastening portion (34) opposite to the coupling (32A) to prevent rotation of the main body (31), and ribs continuous from the rotation preventing piece (33) to the coupling (32A) across the main body (31).