Plug-in Connector with Elastic Clamp for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connectors for motor vehicle window drivers face misalignment issues due to construction and assembly imperfections, leading to imperfect electric connections and potential structural weakening from vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connector with a box-like housing and motor connections featuring a longitudinal slot and elastic clamp portions that deform like a pivot parallelogram to maintain alignment and ensure balanced coupling, preventing misalignment-induced unbalance and ensuring strong, reliable electric contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic clamps are used to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability to misalignment is improved, but alignment precision between clamp and comb connector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor connection is segmented into three distinct parts: a fixed base portion embedded in the housing, an intermediate portion with longitudinal prongs formed by a longitudinal slot, and a movable clamp portion. This segmentation allows the clamp to move independently to compensate for misalignment while the base remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portion is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to compensate for misalignment between connectors. The longitudinal slot in the intermediate portion enables this dynamic movement while maintaining structural connection to the base, achieving both adaptability and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamp rotates to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but electric connection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion moves translationally along the longitudinal axis defined by the slot rather than rotating. This dynamic linear movement compensates for misalignment while maintaining proper orientation and contact with the comb connector, ensuring both adaptability and reliable electric connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamp rotates to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion moves in a controlled linear path along the longitudinal slot rather than rotating, which maintains structural integrity. The intermediate portion with longitudinal prongs provides structural support during this movement, preventing the weakening that would occur with rotational movement and vibrations.
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 effectively compensates for misalignments without causing unbalance, ensuring consistent and robust electric connections even under vehicle vibrations, thus providing a reliable and cost-effective connector for motor vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
intermediate portion, between said base and clamp portion, deforming, due to stresses applied to said clamp portion, like hinge points of a pivot parallelogram
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in connector (10) for a control unit (100) of a window opener in a motor vehicle, including a box-like housing (1). The plug-in connector (10) includes a plurality of motor connections (2), situated in corresponding longitudinal seats (4). Each motor connection (2) includes a base (21), partially embedded in the box-like housing (1) and a terminal, clamp portion (22), which engages with a relative comb connector (3) of the complementary female connector. A longitudinal slot (25) is made in an intermediate portion (24) of the connection (2). The areas (26a, 27a) joining longitudinal prongs (26, 27) and the base (21), and the areas (26b, 27b) joining the prongs and the clamp portion (22), deform, like hinge points of a pivot parallelogram.