Motor Vehicle Relay Contact Bridge for Space Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle relays require a separate expensive cable to connect one of the control circuit terminals to the vehicle battery's positive pole, which occupies valuable space in the central electrical system.
Innovation Solution
A contact bridge made of thin sheet metal, extending outside the housing and clamping at least two connection elements, allows for connection of the control circuit to the battery's positive pole without additional cables, also usable for other common potentials, and can connect multiple elements, reducing space usage and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cable is used to connect one control circuit terminal to the vehicle battery's positive pole, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the space consumption increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mounting structure by integrating a contact bridge into the relay housing. This contact bridge simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing space consumption in the central electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact bridge serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural mounting element and an electrical conductor. This multi-functional design allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical and electrical roles, thereby reducing the total number of components and space required.
2Reliability
If a separate cable is used to connect one control circuit terminal to the vehicle battery's positive pole, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mounting structure by integrating a contact bridge into the relay housing. This contact bridge simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing space consumption in the central electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cable component from the system by implementing integrated contact bridges within the housing. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
3Area of stationary object
If a contact bridge is used to connect control circuit terminals, then space consumption is reduced, but the assembly and disassembly force requirements must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The contact bridge is designed as a thin, flexible metal element that can elastically deform during assembly and disassembly. This flexibility allows the contact bridge to accommodate connection elements during installation and removal without requiring excessive force, while maintaining stable electrical connections during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact bridge incorporates dynamic characteristics through its elastic deformability. The bridge can temporarily deform to accommodate assembly and disassembly operations, then return to its original position to maintain stable electrical connections during normal operation.
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 minimizes space usage, reduces production costs, and allows for easy assembly and disassembly with minimal force requirements, maintaining stability and retention of the connection elements.
Implementation Method 1
a contact bridge provided outside the housing in the form of a bracket extending in one plane and clamping at least two connection elements and electrically connected to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The vehicle relay (117) comprises a housing (35) with a base (37), where four pluggable connecting elements (41,43,45,47) are attached for a control circuit and a load circuit, and the connecting elements are provided perpendicular to the base level (39) in an outward projecting manner. A contact bridge (49) is provided outside the housing in the form of a clamp extending in a plane, which partially clamps and electrically connects two of the connecting elements.