Sliding Contact Electrification for Vehicle Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrification systems fail to provide continuous electrical power to movable or detachably coupled articles, such as consoles, as they are slid or moved within the vehicle, leading to intermittencies and exposure to contaminants.
Innovation Solution
An electrification system comprising a conductor assembly with parallel positive and negative conductive surfaces separated by an insulator, and a contact assembly with resilient contacts that maintain electrical communication with the conductor assembly as the article moves, ensuring continuous power supply and minimizing contamination exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable console system is used to allow rear passengers to access functionality, then accessibility and versatility are improved, but continuous electrical power supply becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sliding contact mechanism that moves with the console, maintaining continuous electrical connection through relative motion. The contact assembly includes resilient contacts that slide along conductive surfaces, adapting to the console's movement while preserving electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive interface system consisting of conductive surfaces and resilient contacts that mediate between the fixed power source and the moving console. This intermediary mechanism transfers electrical power continuously despite the relative motion between components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional sliding contact mechanisms are used, then power can be supplied to moving articles, but intermittencies in current transmission occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates resilient contacts that are pre-biased to maintain constant pressure against the conductive surfaces. This preliminary mechanical action ensures continuous contact and prevents interruptions in electrical current transmission before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of resilient contacts to dynamically adjust contact pressure and maintain optimal electrical connection. The mechanical parameter of contact force is continuously adjusted through the resilient material's elasticity to ensure uninterrupted power transmission.
3Reliability
If conductive surfaces are exposed in the vehicle environment, then electrical contact is maintained, but contamination and foreign materials accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-cleaning conductive surfaces where the sliding motion of resilient contacts automatically removes contaminants. The harmful contamination is converted into a benefit where the mechanical action of sliding contacts cleans the surfaces while maintaining electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive surfaces are designed to self-clean through the sliding action of the contact assembly. The system serves itself by using its own operational motion to remove contaminants, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining electrical reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If article attachment systems are used for slidable movement, then versatility and user access are improved, but the system becomes more complex and susceptible to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical power transmission function with the mechanical sliding movement function into a single integrated contact assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate electrical connections and mechanical guides, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining slidable movement capability.
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 system provides uninterrupted electrical power to articles as they are slidably moved or detachably coupled within the vehicle, reducing power intermittencies and minimizing contamination exposure, while maintaining effective contact through self-cleaning brushes.
Implementation Method 1
The contact assembly includes a resilient positive contact and a resilient negative contact
Implementation Method 2
maintaining effective contact through self-cleaning brushes
Data Source
AI summary
An electrification system for use with an article slidably supported on a track within a vehicle is provided. The electrification system comprises a conductor assembly including a positive conductive interface supported parallel and adjacent to a negative conductive interface. The conductor assembly is configured to extend substantially the length of the track. The electrification system further comprises a contact assembly including a positive contact in electrical communication with the positive conductive interface and a negative contact in electrical communication with the negative conductive interface. The contact assembly is configured to be fixed relative to the article. The contact assembly remains in electrical communication with the conductor assembly as the article is selectively moved along the track to provide continuous electrical power to the article as the article is moved.