Temperature-Sensing Connector Assembly for Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle connectors lack the ability to detect operation anomalies, leading to potential safety accidents due to driving anomalies caused by connector malfunctions during frequent plugging and unplugging.
Innovation Solution
A connector design incorporating a temperature sensor in direct contact with the connection terminal to detect temperature anomalies, along with a sealing member to prevent foreign matter ingress and signal wires to transmit data to a controller for timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is added to detect connection terminal temperature, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is nested within the connector housing structure, specifically integrated into the mounting base or connection terminal assembly. This allows the sensor to be accommodated within existing structural spaces without requiring additional external components, thereby improving safety through temperature monitoring while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor function is merged with the existing connector structure by integrating it into the mounting base or connection terminal. This combination allows the sensor to leverage existing structural elements and mounting mechanisms, achieving enhanced safety functionality while avoiding the need for completely separate sensor systems.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with the connection terminal, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the risk of interference with electrical connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive adhesive or thermal interface material is introduced as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the connection terminal. This intermediary substance provides efficient thermal conduction for accurate temperature detection while maintaining electrical insulation to prevent interference with the electrical connection, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and connection reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector structure is made more compact to accommodate the temperature sensor, then miniaturization is achieved, but the difficulty of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular segments including the mounting base, connection terminal, and sensor assembly portions. This segmentation allows the temperature sensor to be integrated into specific modules during manufacturing, enabling compact overall design while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized modular interfaces and simplified installation procedures for each segment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances safety by allowing for early detection of connector issues, preventing accidents through controlled operation based on temperature data, and maintaining connector stability and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensor is in contact with the connection terminal and configured to detect temperature of the connection terminal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a connector and an electric apparatus. The connector includes a mounting base, a connection terminal, and a temperature sensor. The connection terminal is fixed to the mounting base, where the connection terminal includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion disposed opposite each other, the first connection portion is configured to electrically connect to an external plug connector, and the second connection portion is configured to electrically connect to an external wire. The temperature sensor is in contact with the connection terminal and configured to detect temperature of the connection terminal. The connector provided in this application can detect the temperature of the connection terminal to help a user find operation anomaly of the connector in time, thereby improving the use safety.