Scoop Proof Dome Electrical Connector Ferrite Filtering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional squib electrical connectors for vehicle air bag systems face space limitations, preventing an adequate ferrite filtering at contact areas due to the limited height of ferrite tubes, which is desired to be larger for better filtering or attenuation.

Innovation Solution

A socket electrical connector design featuring a housing with a scoop proof dome and extended ferrite tubes, where the second housing member forms a receiving area with an elevated height above the first housing member, accommodating an extended height plug portion and ferrite tubes that extend above the scoop proof dome by at least 30% of the ferrite tube's height, ensuring proper alignment and connection of contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the height of ferrite tubes at contact areas is increased for better filtering or attenuating, then the filtering capability is improved, but the overall connector height increases which conflicts with vehicle space limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveferrite filtering capabilityVSAvoidconnector height
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a scoop proof dome structure that extends vertically above the main housing body, creating an elevated platform for the ferrite tubes. This dimensional change allows the ferrite tubes to achieve greater effective height for filtering without proportionally increasing the overall connector envelope height, as the dome structure utilizes vertical space above the housing top surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The scoop proof dome is nested within the overall connector housing structure, with the dome forming an integrated part of the housing assembly. The ferrite tubes are positioned within the dome structure, creating a nested arrangement where the filtering function is enhanced without adding external protrusions that would increase the connector's overall dimensions beyond the housing boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a scoop proof dome structure is added to prevent scoop-proof insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scoop proof dome is merged with the housing structure as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The dome forms part of the housing assembly, combining the scoop-proof protection function with the structural housing in a single integrated element, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scoop proof dome structure serves multiple functions: it prevents scoop-proof insertion of the connector, provides structural support for the elevated ferrite tubes, and maintains the overall housing integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving multiple protective and structural goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7306474B1Electrical connector with scoop proof dome
Publication Date: 2007.12.11 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LTD
  • US7306474B1 patent drawing
  • US7306474B1 patent drawing
  • US7306474B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A socket electrical connector adapted to receive a portion of a mating plug electrical connector. The socket electrical connector includes a housing, at least two electrical contact terminals, and a contact shorting member. The housing includes a first housing member and a second housing member. The second housing member is located in the first housing member and forms a scoop proof dome having a height extending above a top side of the first hosing member. The second housing member forms at least one receiving area for receiving the portion of the mating plug electrical connector. The electrical contact terminals are connected to the first housing member and extend into the at least one receiving area of the second housing member. The contact shorting member is mounted on the second housing member and contacts the electrical contacts.