Vehicle Sliding Connector Rail for Movable Powered Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicles lack the ability to mount convenience devices at diverse positions and facilitate efficient power and data exchange between devices and the vehicle, limiting user convenience in autonomous vehicles with increased seat movement and diversified usage.

Innovation Solution

A sliding connector unit with a rail groove and connection portion that allows for attachment and detachment to vehicle panels, enabling sliding movement, electrical connection, and data communication, featuring a vehicle electrode and connector electrode for power and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If convenience devices are mounted in fixed positions in conventional vehicles, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to diversified usage scenarios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position adaptabilityVSAvoidconnector unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector unit incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the convenience device to move along a rail groove, transforming the fixed mounting structure into a dynamic one. The connection portion can slide within the rail groove to adjust the position of the convenience device, enabling adaptation to different mounting locations while maintaining electrical connectivity through the sliding connector unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding connector unit serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical mounting support through the rail groove, enables positional adjustment via sliding movement, maintains electrical connection through electrode contact, and allows data communication. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace multiple separate systems, achieving versatility without proportional increases in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding mechanism is added to enable movement of convenience devices, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and potential for electrical connection issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode portion is designed to extend along the sliding path within the rail groove, ensuring continuous electrical contact throughout the entire range of motion. As the connection portion slides, the electrode maintains constant engagement, preventing interruption of power supply or data communication. This continuous contact design eliminates the risk of connection loss during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding connector unit acts as an intermediary between the fixed rail groove structure and the movable convenience device. It transfers both mechanical movement and electrical signals, mediating between the stationary vehicle body and the mobile device while maintaining stable electrical connection throughout the sliding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the connector allows frequent attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of water ingress and short circuits increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment convenienceVSAvoidwater ingress and short circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rail groove is equipped with a waterproof cover that can be closed before attachment or detachment operations. This preliminary protective action prevents water from entering the rail groove during the opening/closing process, eliminating the short circuit risk associated with frequent operations while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof cover provides a protective barrier that cushions against the harmful effect of water ingress. By having this protective mechanism in place before any attachment or detachment occurs, the system preemptively prevents water from reaching electrical components, allowing frequent operations without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250222877A1Sliding connector unit for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A sliding connector unit for a vehicle includes a rail groove which extends in a longitudinal direction and which is formed in a vehicle panel, a vehicle electrode portion, and a connection portion including a first side inserted into the rail groove so that the connection portion is configured to be slid on the rail groove, including a second side exposed outside the vehicle panel, including a connector electrode portion provided on the first side of the connection portion inserted into the rail groove, and being configured so that the connector electrode portion is in contact with the vehicle electrode portion so that the connection portion is electrically connected to the vehicle electrode portion.