Modular Trailer Tow Connector for Interchangeable Socket Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer tow connectors are manufactured as unitary structures, requiring different tooling for each configuration, which limits customization and efficiency in accommodating various electrical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A modular trailer tow connector design featuring a plate with apertures, a pivotally secured cover, a locating feature for angular orientation, a stop for insertion depth limitation, and a retainer for secure attachment, allowing easy interchangeability of electrical connectors such as 7-way, 4-way, 12-way, and data connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary structure is used for trailer tow connectors, then manufacturing strength is ensured, but manufacturing complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer tow connector is divided into separate modular components: a base plate with aperture, removable electrical connector, cover, locating feature, stop, and retainer. This segmentation allows different electrical connectors to be interchanged while using the same base plate, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate with standardized aperture, locating feature, stop, and retainer serves as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of electrical connectors (7-way, 4-way, 12-way, data connectors, electrical outlets). This multi-functional design enables a single base structure to perform multiple connector functions, improving adaptability while controlling complexity through standardization.
2Productivity
If different tooling is used for each connector configuration, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single base plate design with standardized aperture, locating feature, stop, and retainer can be used to mount multiple types of electrical connectors. This universal mounting structure eliminates the need for different tooling for each connector configuration, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision through consistent standardized features.
3Ease of operation
If a modular design is implemented, then adaptability and ease of assembly improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into interchangeable components (electrical connector, base plate, cover) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The locating feature, stop, and retainer are integrated into the base plate to guide and secure the electrical connector during assembly, making the modular design easy to assemble despite having multiple components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are supported, then versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate with standardized aperture, locating feature, stop, and retainer serves as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of electrical connectors (7-way, 4-way, 12-way, data connectors, electrical outlets). This multi-functional design enables a single base structure to perform multiple connector functions, improving versatility while simplifying manufacture through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer tow connector includes a plate with an aperture in a face of the plate, a cover that is pivotally supported by the plate for selectively concealing the aperture, an electrical connector that is removably received in the aperture, a locating feature that is configured to circumferentially orient the electrical connector relative to the plate, a stop that is configured to limit the electrical connector to an insertion depth relative to the face, and a retainer that is configured to secure the electrical connector to the plate at the insertion depth.