OBD Connector Mobile Blocking Element Vibration Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OBD connectors are prone to accidental detachment due to vibrations and oscillations, especially when connected to monitoring equipment, as they rely solely on friction and a metal spring for retention, leading to unstable connections during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a mobile blocking element with a flexible spring and guide means that positions a protruding tooth securely onto a locator element, ensuring a stable connection by allowing voluntary disconnection only, thus enhancing retention and preventing accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a connector relies solely on friction and a metal spring for retention, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection stability deteriorates due to vibrations and oscillations during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a mobile blocking element that can transition between positions, allowing the retention mechanism to adapt dynamically to vibration conditions. The blocking element engages with a locator element to provide positive mechanical locking, transforming the static friction-based retention into a dynamic system that actively maintains connection stability during vehicle movement.
2Reliability
If a blocking mechanism with a mobile element is added to prevent accidental detachment, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is integrated into the existing connector structure by combining the mobile blocking element with the container body and electrical terminals. The guide means are formed as integral parts of the container body, merging multiple functions (retention, guidance, and electrical connection) into a unified structure that minimizes additional complexity while achieving enhanced connection stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector is designed for occasional connections with stationary vehicles, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates when used with moving vehicles and monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design changes the retention parameter from friction-based (suitable for stationary vehicles) to positive mechanical locking through the blocking element engaging the locator element. This parameter change enables the connector to adapt to moving vehicles and monitoring equipment while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple geometric features that can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes.
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 connector provides a secure and stable connection to the on-board diagnostic system, minimizing the risk of accidental disconnection and allowing voluntary disconnection, while simplifying production and facilitating the positioning of the electric circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible spring which extends substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the connector, from a rear portion of the container body to a front portion of the container body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The connector (1) for the connection to the on-board diagnostics of a vehicle, comprising a container body (2) associable with an electronic connection port (A) of an on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle, a plurality of electrical terminals (3) supported by the container body (2) and connectable to corresponding electrical terminals (B) of the connection port (A), at least a protruding element (4) associated with the container body (2) and engageable in correspondence of at least a respective locator element (C) onto the connection port (A), and blocking means (5) of the protruding element (4) in correspondence of the locator element (C), able to prevent undesired disconnections of the connector itself from the connection port (A).