Rear-Mounted Electrical Connector for Semi-Trailer Wiring Harnesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for double trailer configurations face challenges in maintaining a waterproof seal and preventing corrosion, especially during installation, where the wiring harness must be pulled through a metal frame hole, risking damage and moisture intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A sealed, molded plastic electrical connector with a detachable retaining clip that allows rear installation, avoiding the need to pull the harness through a hole, and featuring a unitary over-mold cable retainer and seal to prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wiring harness is pulled through a metal frame hole during installation, then the connector can be installed in the trailer frame, but the wiring harness is at risk of scraping, cutting, and moisture intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by allowing the connector to be installed from the rear side of the trailer frame rather than pulling the wiring harness through from the front. The detachable retaining clip allows the connector body to be inserted through the hole first, then the clip is reattached to secure it, eliminating the need to drag the entire wiring harness through the hole and preventing scraping and cutting damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into separable components: a connector body and a detachable retaining clip. This segmentation allows the connector body to pass through the mounting hole independently, securing the wiring harness in place without requiring the entire assembly to be pulled through, thereby preventing damage to the wiring harness during installation.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional connector installation method is used, then the connector can be mounted in the trailer frame, but moisture and dirt can intrude through installation entry points causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible waterproof seal (grommet) that deforms to conform to the wiring harness and connector interface. This flexible membrane creates a moisture and dirt barrier that seals around the components during installation, preventing harmful factors from intruding through the mounting hole while allowing the connector to be securely mounted.
3Reliability
If the retaining clip is kept attached during installation, then the connector is securely retained, but the connector cannot be inserted through the trailer frame hole
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into two segments: the connector body and the detachable retaining clip. This segmentation enables the connector body to be inserted through the mounting hole first, establishing the electrical connection and positioning the wiring harness, after which the retaining clip is reattached to provide secure retention. The detachable nature of the clip resolves the contradiction between retention and insertability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiring harness electrical connector is provided having a detachable and re-attachable mounting system to permit the attachment of the connector on a frame surface of a semi-trailer, or workpiece, from the rear or interior side of the of the frame or workpiece without disruption to the integrally formed and moisture proof encasing of the connector.