Starter Module Adapter With Adjustable Receivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles and equipment are typically designed for standard battery sizes, making it difficult to accommodate starter modules of odd sizes due to predetermined clearances and terminal distances.

Innovation Solution

A starter module adapter with a housing assembly that includes adjustable metal receivers and connectors to accommodate starter modules of varying sizes, allowing for secure installation and power supply to vehicles or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a standard battery size is used in vehicle design, then the clearances, battery tray, and lead lengths can be predetermined, but odd size starter modules cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredetermination of clearances and lead lengthsVSAvoidaccommodation of odd size starter modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A battery adapter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the vehicle's standard battery tray and non-standard starter modules. The adapter includes a receiver that receives the starter module and electrical connectors that bridge the electrical connections, allowing odd-sized modules to be accommodated without redesigning the entire battery system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery adapter assembly incorporates adjustable features including extendable lead lengths and repositionable electrical connectors. The positive and negative leads can be extended or repositioned to accommodate different starter module positions and sizes, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining the standard battery tray structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the distance between positive and negative terminals is fixed for standard batteries, then electrical connections are simplified, but non-standard starter modules with different terminal distances cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection configurationVSAvoidcompatibility with non-standard terminal distances
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connectors in the battery adapter assembly are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities. The positive and negative electrical connectors can be repositioned along the leads to match the specific terminal distance of non-standard starter modules, maintaining simple connection procedures while adapting to various configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is divided into separate adjustable components: the battery adapter assembly with repositionable connectors and extendable leads. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to accommodate different terminal distances without affecting the entire electrical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed battery tray design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility to accommodate different starter module sizes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery tray designVSAvoidaccommodation of varying starter module sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The battery adapter assembly serves as a mediator between the fixed battery tray design and varying starter module sizes. The adapter's receiver is designed to accommodate different module dimensions while the adapter itself maintains a consistent form factor that fits within the standard battery tray, preserving manufacturing simplicity while enabling versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11431052B2Starter module adapter
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 BENDE MIKLOS
  • US11431052B2 patent drawing
  • US11431052B2 patent drawing
  • US11431052B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A starter module adapter for a vehicle or other equipment including a starter module and a housing assembly having a pair of terminals. The starter module adapter may include a metal receiver functioning as an electrical connector defining a receptacle for receiving the starter module. The exterior dimensions of the housing assembly may be the same as the exterior dimensions of a standard battery.