Starter Solenoid Terminal Cover Against Bridging Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid switches for vehicle starters are vulnerable to external manipulation, leading to potential bridging or short-circuiting of terminals, which can cause unauthorized starting of the starter or vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid switch design featuring a cover that encloses the terminals non-detachably, using form-fitting mechanisms such as pins and a stop edge, ensuring the terminals are protected from external interference while allowing external control through accessible contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminals are exposed outside the housing for easy connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two parts: the main housing and a cover. The cover can be removed to expose terminals for connection, then reattached to protect them. This segmentation allows the system to switch between accessible and protected states, resolving the contradiction between ease of connection and protection against manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is pre-designed with integrated connection elements (such as integration protrusions and recesses) that enable straightforward attachment and detachment. This preliminary design ensures that the protective cover can be easily put in place before manipulation risks arise and easily removed when connection is needed, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the terminals are enclosed in the housing for protection, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult access
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a dynamic element that can transition between attached and detached states. When attached, it provides protection; when detached, it provides access. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its state based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the housing into main housing and removable cover, the system enables easy access to terminals when the cover is removed while maintaining protection when attached. The segmentation creates a flexible structure that can switch between protected and accessible configurations.
3Device complexity
If a common housing is used for starter engine and solenoid switch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to unprotected terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The common housing is segmented into a main housing and a separate cover. This additional segmented element provides terminal protection without requiring completely separate housings for the starter engine and solenoid switch, thus maintaining relatively low device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it protects terminals from manipulation, provides a mounting structure for connection elements, and maintains the integrated housing design. This multi-functionality allows the cover to enhance reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solenoid switch for a motor vehicle starter. The solenoid switch has a housing and two terminals. In addition, the solenoid switch has a cover that closes the terminals to the outside.