Vehicle Plug Outlet Retention Structure for Boot Cladding Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical outlet installations in vehicle boots require complex redesigns, increasing cost and weight, due to the low mechanical resistance of carpet parts, which are not adequately supported to handle the stresses from plug insertions and removals, and often necessitate welding to the chassis, complicating maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A retention system comprising a support plate anchored to the vehicle body and a reinforcing plate fixed to the cladding, which directs pressure from the plug outlet to the vehicle body, using tabs and protrusions for secure attachment, allowing for simpler installation and maintenance while providing necessary mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electrical outlet is installed directly in the carpet part, then the installation is simple, but the mechanical resistance is insufficient to withstand plug insertion and removal stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support structure into separate components: a support plate that anchors to the vehicle body and a reinforcing plate that attaches to the carpet. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the support plate provides structural strength while the reinforcing plate simplifies carpet installation, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and mechanical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate acts as an intermediary element between the electrical outlet and the vehicle body. It transfers the mechanical stresses from plug insertions and removals directly to the rigid vehicle body, preventing these stresses from being applied to the weak carpet part, thus maintaining both simple installation and high mechanical resistance.
2Strength
If the carpet part is redesigned to increase rigidity and support the electrical outlet, then the mechanical resistance improves, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of redesigning the entire carpet part, the solution segments the support function into a separate support plate and reinforcing plate assembly. This allows the carpet to remain simple while the dedicated support structure provides the necessary mechanical resistance, avoiding the need for complex carpet redesigns that would increase cost and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the structural support function from the two-dimensional carpet surface to a three-dimensional assembly of plates that anchor to the vehicle body. This dimensional change allows the electrical outlet to be supported by a rigid structure without requiring the carpet itself to be redesigned for increased rigidity.
3Strength
If welding is used to attach the electrical outlet support to the chassis, then the mechanical resistance improves, but the maintenance difficulty and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses removable and repositionable support plates that can be easily detached and reattached, transforming the static welded connection into a dynamic, flexible connection. This allows maintenance personnel to access and service the electrical outlet by simply removing the support plate, eliminating the need for complex welding operations while maintaining strong mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves as an intermediary that can be easily removed and reinstalled, replacing the permanent welded connection. This intermediary element provides the necessary mechanical strength while enabling simple maintenance operations, as the plate can be detached without specialized welding equipment or procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retention system for an electrical plug outlet (102) inside a vehicle, comprising: a support plate (100) for anchoring to a body (400) by means of anchoring means (500); the support plate (100) comprises a plug socket casing (200) defining a first housing (103) to receive the electrical plug outlet (102); and, a reinforcing plate (300), to be mechanically attached, in an assembled position, to the support plate (100) and configured to be fixed to a cladding part (600) inside the vehicle; wherein the reinforcing plate (300) defines an opening to receive the electrical plug outlet (102) to be housed in the plug socket casing (200), and wherein the reinforcing plate (300) and the support plate (100) comprise fixing means for fixing the reinforcing plate (300) to a flange (104) of the plug socket casing (200).