Trailer Light Connector Retention Tool Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles using round electrical connectors for trailer lighting experience connectivity issues due to heavy vibration and environmental conditions, leading to open circuits, flickering lights, and potential fire hazards, with existing solutions being temporary and increasing the risk of fire.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a variable cross-sectional thickness is inserted into the gap between the electrical connector plug and outlet, applying lateral displacement and force to enhance pin connectivity and retention, featuring surface texturing and a rubberized coating for increased friction and vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detritus such as paper, cardboard, or wood is inserted around the electrical connector plug, then the electrical pins may connect temporarily, but the fire hazard increases and the solution is only temporary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated retention tool as an intermediary device between the electrical connector plug and the outlet. This tool properly secures the plug without using flammable detritus, thereby maintaining electrical connectivity while eliminating the fire hazard associated with paper, cardboard, or wood insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces temporary, disposable detritus (paper, cardboard, wood) with a reusable retention tool designed specifically for this purpose. The retention tool can be repeatedly inserted and removed without degrading, providing a permanent solution rather than temporary fixes that need frequent replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between the electrical connector plug and outlet varies across different trailers, then one-size filler pieces cannot properly fit all configurations, but custom filler pieces increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retention tool is designed with flexible or adjustable characteristics that allow it to adapt to varying gap sizes between the electrical connector plug and outlet across different trailer configurations. The tool can be compressed or adjusted to fit different spaces, providing universal compatibility without requiring multiple specialized sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal retention tool that can be used across different trailer types and electrical connector configurations. The tool's design accommodates various gap sizes and connector dimensions, making it a multi-functional solution that eliminates the need for trailer-specific or size-specific filler pieces.
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
The tool effectively maintains electrical connectivity by securing the plug within the outlet, reducing the risk of open circuits and fire hazards while accommodating different trailer configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The tool may include a rubberized coating to further increase friction and to dampen vibrations that would otherwise serve to dislodge the electrical connector plug
Implementation Method 2
the tool may include surface texturing to further increase friction to retain the electrical connector plug within the electrical connector outlet
Implementation Method 3
The tool may include a rubberized coating to further increase friction and to dampen vibrations that would otherwise serve to dislodge the electrical connector plug
Data Source
AI summary
A tool to maintain an electrical connector plug in an electrical connector outlet has a variable cross-sectional thickness. The tool is inserted into a gap between the plug and outlet to create lateral displacement of the plug to a force between the plug and the outlet to retain the plug within the outlet via increased friction, and also enhance electrical connectivity of the internal electrical pins. The tool may also include surface texturing to further increase friction, and to hold the tool firmly in place. The tool may also include a rubberized coating to further increase friction and to dampen vibrations that would otherwise serve to dislodge the plug.