Plug Retaining Web for Secure Motor Vehicle Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing plug-mating connectors on electrically driven motor vehicle units are cumbersome, requiring additional material reinforcement and increased manufacturing costs, leading to a less compact and heavier design, while also being inefficient in extreme operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fastening arrangement featuring a retaining web that is bent around the plug flange, providing a positive lock without the need for additional fixing elements, allowing for a compact and cost-effective attachment of the plug to the unit housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional connecting elements (screws and/or dowel pins) are used to attach the plug, then the fixation is secure and permanent, but the unit becomes less compact and relatively heavy, and manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the plug structure by incorporating a retaining web that is formed as an integral part of the plug body. This merging of the connector and fastening elements eliminates the need for separate screws, dowel pins, or other additional connecting elements, thereby reducing weight while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate connecting elements and embeds it within the plug structure itself through the retaining web. This extraction of the fastening capability from external components and its integration into the plug body reduces the number of parts and overall weight while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If additional connecting elements (screws and/or dowel pins) are used to attach the plug, then the fixation is secure and permanent, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector and fastening functions into a single integrated plug structure with an integral retaining web. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening components, reducing part count, simplifying manufacturing processes, and lowering both manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from external connecting elements and integrates it into the plug body through the retaining web. This extraction and integration reduce the number of assembly steps, eliminate the need for separate fastening component manufacturing, and lower overall production costs while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If material reinforcement is added to the housing for receiving connecting elements, then the plug can be securely attached, but the unit becomes less compact and relatively heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment function into the plug structure itself through the integral retaining web, eliminating the need for material reinforcement in the housing. This integration allows secure attachment without adding volume or weight to the unit, maintaining compactness while ensuring reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reinforcing the housing to accommodate external fastening elements, the patent inverts the approach by equipping the plug with an integral retaining web that performs the fastening function. This inversion eliminates the need for housing reinforcement, maintaining unit compactness while achieving secure attachment.
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
This solution enables a secure, reliable, and cost-effective attachment of the plug, maintaining the unit's compactness and efficiency even under extreme conditions, without the need for extra material reinforcement or complex assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
A fastening arrangement for fixing at least the plug is arranged on an outer side of the unit housing, the fastening arrangement having at least one retaining web protruding outwards from the unit housing, and the retaining web being bent at least partially around a plug flange of the plug
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electric car sub-assembly (10) having a work device (11), an electric drive motor (12) for driving the work device (12), a commutator device (13) for controlling the drive motor (12), a separate plug (31) to which a corresponding mating plug (32) can be electrically and mechanically coupled, a sub-assembly housing (15) with an opening (16) through which there extends at least one electrical conductor (50) that is routed into the plug (31), and an attachment arrangement (20) on the outside of the sub-assembly housing (15) for fixing the plug (31). The attachment arrangement (20) has at least one retainer lug (21) protruding outwardly from the sub-assembly housing, and the retainer lug (21) is at least partially bent around a plug flange (34) of the plug (31), so that the plug (31) is interlockingly fixed to the sub-assembly housing (15).