Negative Jump Start Ground Block for Automobiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern automobiles with batteries located under the passenger compartment and aesthetic components in the engine compartment make it difficult to find a suitable location to connect the negative terminal of an external power supply for jump-starting, as existing solutions lack an easily identifiable and secure grounding point.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated negative jump-start ground block with a visually identifiable base portion and a detachable polygonal connection portion that securely attaches to a weld stud, providing a clear grounding point for the negative terminal of an external power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the battery is located under the passenger compartment to save engine compartment space, then space utilization is improved, but the ease of locating a grounding point for jump-starting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground block is divided into two separate components: a first ground block component permanently connected to the vehicle body, and a second ground block component with a detachable connection portion that can be easily removed and repositioned. This segmentation allows the grounding system to remain fixed while the accessible interface can be relocated for ease of use during jump-starting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable second ground block component acts as an intermediary between the permanent grounding system and the external power supply clamps. It provides a user-friendly interface with a polygonal connection portion that is easily identifiable and accessible, while maintaining electrical connection to the vehicle body through the first ground block component.
2Shape
If aesthetic components cover engine compartment parts, then appearance is improved, but the ease of identifying connection points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second ground block component and its connection portion are designed with distinct visual characteristics that make them easily identifiable against the aesthetic engine compartment components. The polygonal shape and potential color coding provide visual cues that help users quickly locate the correct grounding point without needing to search through covered areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portion features an asymmetric polygonal shape that is distinctly different from the surrounding aesthetic components. This asymmetric design creates a unique visual signature that helps users immediately identify the correct connection point, contrasting with the typically symmetric or uniform appearance of engine compartment aesthetic covers.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable connection portion with polygonal shape is used, then ease of attaching external power supply deteriorates, but the ease of operation improves
Solution Approach 1:
The ground block is segmented into permanent and detachable portions, allowing the complex polygonal connection interface to be separated from the simple permanent mounting structure. This segmentation concentrates the operational complexity only where needed for user interaction, while the permanent connection remains simple and robust.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular ground terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provides a location to which an electrical connection may be made to a body of a vehicle that is easy to identify and use. The ground terminal includes a first ground block component connected to the body of the vehicle and a second ground block component detachably coupled to the first ground component. The second ground block component includes a base portion having a first width and a passageway therethrough, the first ground block component extending into the passageway and a connection portion attached to the base portion having a second width that is less than the first width and a polygonal shape.