Steering Column Coupling Body for Simplified Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connection systems for steering column switches and steering wheels in motor vehicles are complex, making it difficult to connect electrical components to the vehicle's on-board network efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a coupling body with electrical contacts that can be prefabricated or already present, where electrical conductors are connected to these contacts, and a plug-in element is used to establish connections, allowing for easier integration with the vehicle's electrical system through a rotary connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable harnesses and rotary connectors are used to connect electrical components in the steering wheel to the vehicle's on-board network, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the system complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable harness and rotary connector into a single integrated coupling body. The coupling body houses multiple electrical contacts internally and provides a unified plug-in interface, eliminating the need for separate cable harnesses and rotary connectors. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall electrical connection system between the steering wheel and vehicle on-board network.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cable harness, a rotary connector, and a plug-in interface all in one component. This multi-functional design allows the same component to handle electrical connections, accommodate rotational movement, and provide modular plug-in capability, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of connection.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components are used for electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cable harness, rotary connector, and plug-in interface into a single coupling body, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be assembled. This merger streamlines the assembly process, allowing for faster installation and reduced manufacturing complexity while maintaining full electrical connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is designed as a prefabricated unit with electrical contacts already positioned and configured internally. This preliminary preparation of the electrical connection system allows for rapid installation without requiring complex on-site assembly of multiple separate components, thereby improving productivity and reducing assembly time.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement is described for electrical conductors that are installed in a steering column switch module and/or in a steering wheel mounted on it of a motor vehicle equipped with an electrical system, and at one end of each conductor are electrically connected to an electrical component mounted in the steering column switch module or in the steering wheel mounted on it. At least two of the conductors are connected at their other, free ends to electrical contacts arranged in at least one coupling body (10) made of insulating material such that they are accessible on a plug-in side of the coupling body for plugging in an electrical connector. The coupling body (10) is connected to the steering column switch module or the steering wheel mounted on it with its plug-in side accessible from the outside.In the steering column switch module (5) of the motor vehicle and on the clutch body (10), an electrical line leading to the vehicle's electrical system is connected via a plug element attached to the same in the mounting position.