Swivel Socket for Vehicle Trailer Wiring Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connections between vehicles and trailers are prone to stress and damage due to changes in the angle between the vehicle and trailer during maneuvers like reversing, leading to wear and disconnection of wiring and connections.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable electrical connection system that allows the electrical connector to swivel about a vertical axis, reducing strain on the wiring and connections by accommodating changes in the angle between the vehicle and trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed position electrical connection is used between vehicle and trailer, then the connection structure is simple, but the wiring and connection become worn, damaged, or disconnected due to stress from angle changes during maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrical connection structure rotatable rather than fixed. The socket assembly can rotate about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to angle changes between the vehicle and trailer during maneuvers like jackknifing. This dynamic capability reduces stress on the wiring and connection components, preventing wear and disconnection while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electrical connection is made fixed relative to the vehicle, then the installation is simple, but the wires and connection suffer stress and damage when the trailer angle changes
Solution Approach 1:
The socket assembly is designed with rotational capability about a vertical axis, allowing it to move dynamically as the trailer angle changes during maneuvers. This dynamic design prevents excessive stress and damage to the wiring and connection components while maintaining ease of installation through a straightforward bracket mounting system.
3Reliability
If a rotatable electrical connection is implemented, then stress on wiring and connections is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection apparatus incorporates a rotatable socket assembly that can rotate about a vertical axis, enabling it to adapt to angle changes between vehicle and trailer. This dynamic capability reduces stress on wiring and connection components, preventing wear and disconnection while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward bracket mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection while simultaneously accommodating angular changes through rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components or complex stress-absorption mechanisms, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving wiring reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for supporting an electrical connection, the apparatus including attachment means for enabling the apparatus to be mounted to a surface, a frame means rotatably coupled to the attachment means, an electrical connection coupled to the frame means, and an electrical wire coupled to the electrical connection.