Power Transfer System With Latching Ports For Flexible Cabin Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle interior components face limitations in variability and flexibility due to a fixed number of power locations, restricting passengers' ability to customize their cabin layout with various electrical component features.
Innovation Solution
A power transfer system comprising a port panel assembly with locking ports and a power transfer assembly featuring latches, terminal assemblies, and elastic members, allowing for quick installation, removal, and relocation of electrical devices within the vehicle interior, ensuring consistent power supply through internal latching and rotational mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power locations are permanently molded into the vehicle interior, then power supply stability is ensured, but cabin layout flexibility and component reconfigurability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer assembly is divided into separable components: a port panel assembly with locking ports and terminal assemblies, and a power transfer assembly with latches and connection members. This segmentation allows the power supply to be divided into fixed (port panel) and movable (power transfer assembly) parts, enabling both stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanently molded power locations to a dynamic configuration where the power transfer assembly can be moved between different port panels throughout the vehicle interior. The latching mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration while maintaining stable connection during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple component features are added to accommodate all passenger needs, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection through conductive terminals, mechanical attachment through latches and locking ports, and positioning through locating pockets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The port panel assembly acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's fixed electrical system and the movable component features. It provides standardized locking ports and terminal assemblies that any power transfer assembly can connect to, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If quick installation and removal mechanisms are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability and power supply stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are pre-positioned to engage with locking ports, and the elastic members are pre-loaded to provide immediate connection force. The terminal assemblies are positioned to automatically align with conductive terminals upon insertion, enabling quick connection without manual adjustment while ensuring reliable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members automatically apply contact force between terminals and connection members upon engagement, and the latches self-lock into the locking ports. This self-actuating mechanism ensures reliable connection without requiring additional fastening operations or manual adjustment.
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
Enables easy installation, removal, and reconfiguration of electrical components throughout the vehicle, providing a flexible and customizable cabin layout while maintaining a steady power supply.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member arranged between the terminal assemblies to rotate the terminal assemblies in one direction so that when the power transfer assembly is inserted into the port panel assembly, the terminal assemblies are rotated to contact the conductive terminals with the connection members
Implementation Method 2
a spring arranged between the latches and pressing the latches to protrude outwardly from the transfer housing through the access ports
Data Source
AI summary
A power transfer system includes a port panel assembly including a port panel, a locating pocket formed in the port panel, locking ports arranged in the locating pocket, and terminal assemblies attached to a rear side of the locating pocket and having conductive terminals, and a power transfer assembly having a transfer housing with access ports and terminal retainers, latches housed in the transfer housing to engage the locking ports, a spring arranged between the latches and pressing the latches to protrude outwardly from the transfer housing through the access ports, and connection members arranged in the terminal retainer and adapted be connected to an electric device. When the power transfer assembly is inserted into the port panel assembly, tip portions of the latches are inserted into the locking ports to be secured to the port panel assembly, and the connection members contact the conductive terminals of the port panel.