Movable Electrical Connector for Vehicle Seat Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors between vehicle seats and systems are prone to failure due to precise fit requirements and susceptibility to bending, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensionally movable socket and two-dimensionally movable plug with spring elements and larger contact surfaces, allowing for tolerance compensation and secure mechanical locking, ensuring reliable contact even with large tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector element attached to the seat fits precisely onto the connector element attached to the vehicle, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the connection is susceptible to failure due to bending and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed to be movable in the z-direction through a spring element, allowing dynamic adjustment to compensate for dimensional tolerances and prevent contact failure due to rigid precision fitting requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces of the socket are made larger than those of the plug, changing the geometric parameters to increase tolerance compensation capability and reduce the risk of contact element bending
2Manufacturing precision
If the socket and plug have precise dimensional tolerances, then proper alignment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with movable mounting in the z-direction via spring element, allowing dynamic compensation for dimensional tolerances during assembly, thereby reducing the need for tight manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the socket and socket receptacle, absorbing dimensional variations and facilitating easier assembly without requiring high manufacturing precision
3Reliability
If the contact surfaces are made larger for tolerance compensation, then reliability improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable socket design allows for smaller contact surfaces while maintaining reliability through dynamic adjustment, as the movement compensates for tolerances rather than relying solely on large static contact areas
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a robust and reliable electrical connection that compensates for dimensional tolerances and mechanical anchoring, ensuring secure and durable contact between the vehicle seat and electrical system without the need for separate locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The movable mounting of the socket in the socket receptacle in the z-direction is achieved by means of at least one spring element
Implementation Method 2
The plug and the socket have electrically conductive contact elements assigned to each other and the electrical connection device serves to establish an electrical connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connection device (1) with two engaging connection parts (10, 20), one of which is designed as a plug (10) and the other as a socket (20), wherein the plug (10) and the socket (20) have electrically conductive contact elements (11, 21) assigned to each other and the electrical connection device (1) serves to establish an electrical connection between a vehicle seat (2) and a vehicle electrical system (3), wherein the socket (20) is mounted in a socket receptacle (30) so as to be movable three-dimensionally and the plug (10) is movable at least two-dimensionally in the socket (20) in the contact position.