Split Connector Cap Structure for Vehicle Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wiring connections in vehicles are prone to vibration and shock, leading to wear and damage, as existing connectors are not firmly engaged, causing fretting between connection terminals.
Innovation Solution
A vibration mitigation device comprising two selectively separable shell sections that form a hollow body to enclose and firmly hold electrical connectors together, applying compressive force to prevent movement and damage from vibrations and shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring connectors are firmly engaged to mitigate vibration, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protective housing and latch assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing is divided into two separable shell sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each shell section contains its own latch assembly, allowing the housing to be segmented into manageable parts while still providing complete protection when assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and facilitates assembly/disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring connector assembly is nested within the protective housing, with the connectors positioned inside the hollow body formed by the two shell sections. The latch assemblies are nested within the shell sections themselves, integrating the fastening mechanism into the housing structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated assembly.
2Ease of operation
If two separable shell sections are used to enclose connectors, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment and engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The two shell sections are designed with asymmetric features including protrusions and recesses that guide proper alignment during assembly. The latch assemblies are positioned asymmetrically within each shell section, ensuring that the shells can only be assembled in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design provides self-aligning features that reduce the precision requirements for manual or automated assembly operations.
3Reliability
If latch assemblies are integrated into each shell section, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fastening components
Solution Approach 1:
Each latch assembly is merged with its corresponding shell section, forming an integrated unit where the latch mechanism is built into the housing structure rather than being a separate component. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the security function, as each shell section independently provides both structural support and fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assemblies are designed to automatically engage and secure the two shell sections together without requiring additional fastening operations. When the shell sections are brought together, the latch assemblies self-actuate to lock the housing in place, providing self-service fastening that reduces operational complexity while maintaining secure connection.
4Reliability
If compressive force is applied to prevent connector movement, then vibration resistance is improved, but stress on connection terminals increases potentially causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The compressive force from the latch assemblies is applied locally at specific engagement points on the shell sections, rather than uniformly across the entire connector assembly. This localized force application provides vibration resistance at the critical housing connection points while minimizing stress transmission to the electrical terminals inside, protecting them from damage.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a vibration mitigation device. The vibration mitigation device can comprise a shell forming a hollow body that is configured to house a coupled wiring connector and a connector block. The shell can comprise first shell section and second shell section that are operably engaged with each other, and engaged with a vehicle component to which the connector block is engaged. The shape and sizing of the shell and its hollow body allow for a compressive force to be applied to the coupled connectors, to mitigate vibration between the two connectors during use.