Removable Vehicle Seat Connector Box for Protected Manual Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for equipping removable seats in utility vehicles with seat belt reminder systems are prone to contamination, cumbersome, and expensive due to automatic connector engagement, which is not reliable for utility vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A manual electrical connection system using a protected box with finger-accessible connectors allows for easy connection and disconnection of the seat and vehicle electrical circuits, reducing weight and cost while protecting the connectors from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic connector engagement is used under the seat, then connection reliability is improved, but the system becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the automatic engagement mechanism from under the seat and relocates it to a box positioned laterally adjacent to the seat. This separation allows the seat to be lighter while the engagement mechanism remains protected and functional in its new location.
Solution Approach 2:
The box acts as an intermediary structure that houses the engagement mechanism and connectors. It mediates between the seat and the vehicle's electrical system, providing a protected environment for the connection components while enabling automatic engagement without adding weight to the seat itself.
2Reliability
If automatic connector engagement is used under the seat, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the engagement mechanism from under the seat and placing it in a separate box, the design simplifies manufacturing. The box can be produced independently and assembled with the seat, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into separate components: the seat, the box containing the engagement mechanism, and the connectors. This modular approach allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable connections.
3Extent of automation
If connectors are placed under the seat, then automatic engagement is enabled, but connectors are exposed to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors and engagement mechanism are extracted from the contaminated environment under the seat and relocated to a box positioned laterally adjacent to the seat. This location provides better protection from dust, liquids, and other contaminants while maintaining automatic engagement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The box is designed to protect the connectors from contamination before any connection or disconnection occurs. The protective enclosure is in place beforehand, preventing dust and liquids from reaching the connectors during normal vehicle operation and seat removal.
4Weight of moving object
If manual connection is used, then weight and cost are reduced, but connection convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The box containing the engagement mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables automatic engagement without requiring the seat itself to be heavy or complex. This automatic mechanism in the box maintains connection convenience while allowing the seat to remain lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
By taking out the automatic engagement mechanism from the seat and placing it in a separate box, the seat weight is reduced while the automatic connection convenience is preserved through the mechanism in the box. The system achieves both lightweight design and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (100) comprising a chassis (110), a car seat (120) removably mounted on the chassis and including a sensor and a first electrical connection cable connected to the sensor and having a first connector at one free end, an electrical connection box (130) fixed to the chassis, under the seat when the latter is mounted on the chassis, and comprising a main body and a cover configured to allow access to the interior of the main body, and a second electrical connection cable connected to an electronic circuit of the vehicle and having, at one free end, a second connector adapted to be connected to the first connector in the connection box. According to the invention, the free end of the first cable is free relative to the seat, and the main body allows the insertion of two fingers to manually connect or disconnect the first and second connectors.