Seat Plug-In Unit With Lock-Triggered Electrical Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of vehicle seats with electrical connections are time-consuming due to the manual operation of connectors, which requires frequent manual insertion and locking, and this process is infrequent, especially during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in unit with a modular structure comprising a housing, plug, triggering unit, and drive unit, where the triggering unit unlocks the drive unit to move the plug from a rest position to a plug-in position, allowing automatic contact with a socket, and is coupled with a seat lock for automatic electrical connection establishment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connector operation is used for seat installation and removal, then the electrical connection process requires frequent manual steps, but this increases the time and effort required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to automatically establish electrical connections when the seat is installed and automatically disconnect when removed. The coupling mechanism self-activates the electrical plug engagement without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation for each connection event.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling mechanism and electrical connection system are merged into a single integrated unit. When the mechanical coupling engages or disengages, it simultaneously activates or deactivates the electrical plug connection, combining two functions (mechanical attachment and electrical connection) into one unified operation.
2Productivity
If manual connector operation is used, then the process steps are simple to understand, but the frequent manual insertion and locking is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling mechanism and electrical connection system are merged into a single integrated unit. When the mechanical coupling engages or disengages, it simultaneously activates or deactivates the electrical plug connection, combining two functions (mechanical attachment and electrical connection) into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical plug is pre-positioned within the coupling mechanism housing, ready for automatic engagement. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for plug insertion, so that when the mechanical coupling is activated, the electrical connection is immediately established without requiring additional preparation or manual steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plug-in unit (222) for a connector (224), wherein the plug-in unit (222) comprises at least: - a housing (248), - a plug (240) with a number of plug contacts, - a release unit (250), and - a drive unit (252), wherein, upon release, the release unit (250) unlocks or releases the drive unit (252) so that the plug (240), driven by the drive unit (252), is movable relative to the housing (248) from a rest position (302) to a plug-in position (300). The disclosure further relates to a connector (224), a seating arrangement (201), and a vehicle (200).