Automotive Lighting Connector Assembly with Funnelled Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual assembly of automotive lighting devices with loose wire bundles and connectors poses safety risks and operational uncertainties due to misalignment and reduced visibility, especially when lighting modules require flexibility in positioning and rotation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic connection assembly featuring a base with slotted edges and funnelled guides allows for semiautomatic alignment and secure connection of connectors, ensuring mechanical and electrical connections are made safely and efficiently, even when misaligned, through a combination of tabs, U-shaped elements, and interrelated fitting elements for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly with loose wire bundles is used, then flexibility in positioning and rotation is achieved, but assembly safety and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible wire bundle with a protective sheath that allows movement and positioning adjustments while maintaining connection integrity. The sheath acts as a flexible shell that protects the wires while enabling the necessary adaptability for different positions and rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connector assembly that includes a base, positioning elements, and guide structures. This intermediary component mediates between the fixed housing and the flexible wire bundles, providing both positioning guidance and connection stability to ensure reliable electrical connections while allowing necessary flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly with loose wire bundles is used, then positioning flexibility is achieved, but assembly precision and alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning elements such as guide channels, alignment pins, and pre-configured connector orientations. These elements are built into the connector assembly beforehand to guide the wire bundles into correct positions and ensure precise alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary that provides both flexibility for positioning adjustments and precision for final alignment. It includes guide structures and positioning elements that ensure accurate connection while allowing the necessary adaptability for different configurations.
3Volume of stationary object
If reduced visibility and accessibility are present during assembly, then compact housing design is achieved, but assembly safety and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector assembly into modular segments including separate connector bodies, wire bundles, and mounting components. This segmentation allows for compact integration within the housing while maintaining accessibility to individual components during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging connectors and wire bundles in multiple dimensions within the compact housing. The connector assembly extends in various directions from the base, allowing compact integration while maintaining adequate access for assembly operations through strategic positioning of connection points.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6a~6c
AI summary
The invention provides an electronic connection assembly comprising a base (1), a first connector assembly (2) and a module connector (41). The base (1) comprises a first opening (11) and a second opening (12), the second opening (12) comprising a slotted edge (121) with a passage (13) which connects the first opening (11) and the second opening (12). The first connector assembly (2) comprises a wire harness (21), a rim (22) and a receiving connector (23) which protrudes a connector height (hc) from the rim (22), the rim (22) being adapted to be introduced into the slotted edge (121). The module connector (41) is adapted to match with the receiving connector (23). Either the first connector assembly (2) or the module connector (41) comprises a funnelled guide (24).