Track Assembly Lateral Conductor Contact Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track assemblies are complex and may not provide sufficient functionality, particularly in selectively connecting support members with conductors within the track, limiting their ability to maintain reliable electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A track assembly design featuring a support member conductor that moves laterally to electrically contact second conductors, which are disposed within an insulator and recessed in the track, allowing for selective electrical connection and disconnection with a first conductor, ensuring contact in all positions of the support member relative to the track.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional track assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the electrical connection reliability is insufficient and functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidtrack assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The track assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a track body with conductive elements, a support member with conductors, and insulating portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining reliable electrical connections through controlled contact points between the track and support member conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating portions are introduced as intermediary elements within the track assembly. These insulating portions selectively isolate conductive elements, ensuring that electrical connections are made only at intended locations while preventing unwanted electrical contact, thereby improving connection reliability without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the support member conductor contacts second conductors in all positions, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection consistencyVSAvoidconductor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second conductors are configured to serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection points for the support member conductor across various positions, and they are integrated with insulating portions that provide both electrical isolation and structural support. This multi-functionality maintains connection reliability while avoiding additional complexity from separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive elements and insulating portions are nested within the track structure, with second conductors positioned within recesses or cavities formed by the insulating portions. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy compact space, maintaining reliable contact geometry without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple second conductors are used for continuous contact, then electrical connection is maintained in all positions, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous electrical contactVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple second conductors are merged into a single integrated conductor assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This integration maintains the ability to provide continuous electrical contact at multiple positions while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that must be individually installed and aligned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design ensures reliable and selective electrical connection between the support member and the track, enabling efficient power transmission and improved connection quality, even during vertical movement of the support member, by maintaining contact with multiple second conductors simultaneously.

Implementation Method 1

The support member conductor may be configured to move substantially laterally and electrically contact the second conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The insulator may include a biasing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical biasing: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10950977B2Track assembly for a vehicle component

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A track assembly includes a track, a support member, a support member conductor, a first conductor and a plurality of second conductors. The support member conductor may be configured to move substantially laterally and electrically contact the second conductors. The second conductor may be configured to move laterally and electrically contact the first conductor. The support member conductor may be configured to move the second conductor into electrical contact with the first conductor. The first conductor may extend substantially in the longitudinal direction and/or the first conductor may be disposed at least partially in the track. The plurality of second conductors may be disposed such that the support member conductor may be in contact with at least two second conductors of the plurality of second conductors in all positions of the support member relative to the track.