Swivel Connector Assembly Reduces Stress on Tractor Trailer Electrical Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors for tractor-trailer vehicles are prone to damage and loss of electrical continuity due to repeated angular pull forces, which cause stress on the connection interface during turns.

Innovation Solution

A swivel connector assembly with a base mounting member, an intermediate member capable of rotation about the x-axis, and a socket mounting member capable of rotation about the y-axis, allowing the socket receptacle to follow and approximate the movement of electrical cables, reducing stress through multiple axes of rotation and the use of bushings and a flexible boot for alignment and wear resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid electrical connector is used to maintain stable electrical connection, then electrical continuity is ensured, but the connector is prone to damage under repeated angular pull forces during turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical continuityVSAvoidresistance to angular pull forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a swivel mechanism with intermediate members that can rotate about x and y axes. This allows the socket mounting member to dynamically follow and approximate the movement of attached electrical cables during angular pulls and turns, converting the rigid connection into a flexible, adaptive connection that maintains electrical continuity while withstanding repeated angular forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into multiple functional components: a base mounting member, intermediate members capable of rotation, and a socket mounting member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base provides mounting stability, the intermediate members provide rotational flexibility, and the socket mounting member secures the receptacle - collectively resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a flexible connector is used to accommodate cable movement, then resistance to angular pull forces is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to angular pull forcesVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel mechanism uses dynamic rotation about two axes to provide flexibility, but the intermediate members are designed with bushings that guide and constrain the motion paths. This controlled dynamics approach provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate cable movement while maintaining manageable structural complexity through predictable, constrained rotational paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Bushings are introduced as intermediary elements between the intermediate members and the base/socket mounting members. These bushings serve as wear-resistant bearings that facilitate smooth rotation while maintaining alignment, reducing friction and wear, and simplifying the overall structure by providing a standardized, off-the-shelf component solution for the rotational joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple axes of rotation are added to accommodate movement at multiple angles, then adaptability to cable movement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of cable movement anglesVSAvoidrotation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two-axis rotation system provides high adaptability by allowing the socket mounting member to follow cable movement in multiple directions. The intermediate members are designed with bushings that enable rotation about both x and y axes, creating a dynamic system that can accommodate complex cable paths during turns and angular pulls while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If bushings are used to provide alignment and wear resistance, then reliability of the rotation joints is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation joint performanceVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Bushings serve as intermediary components that simplify the manufacturing and assembly process. By using standardized bushings as off-the-shelf components, the patent avoids the need to design and manufacture complex custom bearing surfaces, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable, wear-resistant rotation joints. The bushings are simply pressed or snapped into place, making assembly straightforward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10414222B2Swivel bracket assembly for a connector

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 TRUCK LITE CO LLC

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein include a swivel connector assembly and method of securing a swivel connector assembly to a tractor-trailer system comprising a non-rigid, movable socket to reduce stress on the connection interface when a tractor makes a turn. The axis of the socket follows and approximates the axis of the tractor as the electrical cord stretches, while the swivel connector assembly provides more than a single axis of rotation to accommodate multiple angles of cord movement. The swivel connector assembly provides at least two separate and distinct rotation axes for the socket.