Automotive Lamp Connector Alignment via Movable Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited space in automotive lamps makes it difficult to connect lighting device connectors, often requiring extended cables that are prone to entanglement or collision with moving parts, affecting the operation and reliability of the lighting functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and lighting assembly that utilize a supporting device with a second connector attached to the lamp body, allowing movement along a perpendicular axis to align and connect with the first connector without additional cable length, and a shell with chamfers to facilitate alignment and secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable length is extended to facilitate connector connection in limited space, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to entanglement or collision with moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable support device that can dynamically adjust its position along the first axis (perpendicular to connection direction) to accommodate misalignments between connectors. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for extended cables while ensuring reliable connection, as the support device adapts its position during the connection process rather than relying on fixed cable length extensions.
2Ease of operation
If the cable length is extended to facilitate connector connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional cable management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management problem from the connection system by introducing a separate movable support device that handles positioning independently. The support device carries the connector and can move along the first axis to compensate for misalignments, thereby eliminating the need for extended cables and complex cable routing arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If misalignment compensation is implemented through movable support, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector assembly into a fixed portion (connector itself) and a movable portion (support device). The support device is specifically designed to move only along the first axis (perpendicular to connection direction), providing targeted misalignment compensation without requiring complex multi-axis movement mechanisms. This segmentation allows for simple, focused movement capability that addresses the specific alignment problem.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method for connecting a first connector with a second connector within an automotive lamp, the method comprising: providing an automotive lighting module in the automotive lamp, the automotive lighting module comprising both a housing and the first connector; attaching a connecting device to a supporting device for the connecting device, the connecting device comprising the second connector; attaching the supporting device to a lamp body of the automotive lamp; and moving in a first direction either the automotive lighting module towards the lamp body or the lamp body towards the automotive lighting module thereby connecting the first connector with the second connector in the first direction; the lamp body being adapted for attachment of the supporting device thereto and support movement of the supporting device along a first axis thereof while attached, the first axis of the supporting device being perpendicular to the first direction.