Trailer Connector Cable Assembly for Stable Accessory Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for powering vehicle accessories like 12-V compressors are inconvenient, unstable, or do not provide sufficient power, particularly when using alligator clips or cigarette lighter plugs.
Innovation Solution
An auto cable assembly with a trailer connector plug connected to a vehicle's trailer connector socket and a 2-pin connector for accessories, allowing stable power output from the vehicle to accessories without modifying the vehicle, using a 7-way trailer connector plug and a 2-pin SAE connector with a resistor to simulate proper electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If alligator clips or cigarette lighter plugs are used to power vehicle accessories, then the accessory can be connected to the vehicle battery or power source, but the power output is insufficient and the connection is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer connector plug is designed to interface with the vehicle's existing trailer connector socket, which is originally intended for trailer lighting and control signals. By adapting this multi-purpose connector to also provide power connection for accessories like compressors, the system achieves universal compatibility without requiring separate power connection mechanisms. The plug simultaneously handles power transmission and signal communication through its multiple terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer connector plug divides the power connection into multiple independent terminals (terminals a, b, and c), allowing separate connection paths for power, ground, and signal functions. This segmentation enables stable power transmission through dedicated terminals while maintaining signal integrity through separate terminal connections, resolving the instability issue of conventional single-point connections.
2Power
If alligator clips are used to connect the accessory directly to the battery, then power can be obtained, but the operation becomes inconvenient and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer connector plug and cable assembly serve as an intermediary device between the vehicle battery and the accessory. Instead of requiring direct battery connection with alligator clips, the standardized connector provides a convenient intermediate interface that simplifies connection and disconnection operations while maintaining reliable power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer connector plug is pre-assembled with the cable and connector components, preparing the power connection system in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex connection procedures during actual accessory installation, as the plug-cable-connector assembly is ready for immediate connection to the vehicle socket and accessory.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power connection methods are used, then the accessory can be powered, but modification of the vehicle is required or the existing trailer connector cannot be properly utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer connector plug leverages the vehicle's existing trailer connector socket infrastructure, which is already universally equipped on vehicles. By designing the plug to interface with this standard socket, the system achieves compatibility without requiring any vehicle modifications, while the socket's multiple terminals provide sufficient complexity to handle both power and signal functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing trailer connector socket serves dual purposes: its original function for trailer lighting/control and the new function of providing power connection for accessories. This self-service approach allows the existing vehicle infrastructure to support accessory power needs without requiring additional modifications or separate power connection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An auto cable assembly includes: a cable; a trailer connector plug provided at a first end part of the cable wherein the trailer connector plug is adapted to connect to a trailer connector socket of a vehicle; and a 2-pin connector provided at a second end part of the cable, wherein the 2-pin connector is adapted to connect to a power inlet port of a vehicle accessory such as a portable air compressor for inflating a tire, wherein the trailer connector plug and the 2-pin connector are wired in a manner that the vehicle outputs power to the vehicle accessory via the cable as if the trailer connector plug is properly fitted to the trailer connector socket.