Trailer Socket Control Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing socket for trailer hitches is inadequately protected against environmental influences such as moisture, leading to potential damage and failure of the control device, which is sensitive and expensive, and requires replacement of the entire socket when damaged.
Innovation Solution
The control device is encapsulated in a cast insulating material within a control capsule body, which is separate from the socket housing, providing electrical insulation and mechanical protection, allowing the socket housing to be replaced independently without affecting the control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control device is integrated into the socket housing, then the structure is compact, but the control device is inadequately protected against environmental influences such as moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the socket into two independent parts: the socket housing and the control capsule body. The control device is encapsulated in a separate control capsule body that can be independently replaced, allowing the socket housing to be exchanged without affecting the control device and vice versa.
Solution Approach 2:
The control capsule body acts as an intermediary protective element between the control device and the environment. It provides electrical insulation and mechanical protection, shielding the sensitive control device from environmental influences while maintaining functional connectivity.
2Ease of repair
If the socket housing is damaged, then replacement is needed, but the entire socket including the expensive control device must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is segmented into a socket housing and a control capsule body that can be independently replaced. This allows the expensive control device to be preserved when only the socket housing is damaged, significantly reducing repair costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective replacement of only the damaged component (socket housing) while recovering and reusing the intact control device, maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste.
3Strength
If the control device is exposed to mechanical loads, then it may be damaged, but protecting it requires a separate protective structure
Solution Approach 1:
The control capsule body combines multiple functions into a single protective structure: electrical insulation, mechanical protection against shocks and loads, and environmental sealing. This integrated approach provides comprehensive protection without requiring multiple separate protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control capsule body is formed from cast insulating material that combines electrical insulation properties with mechanical strength and elasticity, creating a composite protective structure that withstands mechanical loads while protecting sensitive electronics.
4Force
If the cast insulating material is softer than the socket housing, then it absorbs shock loads, but it may be more susceptible to environmental penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elasticity parameter of the cast insulating material to achieve an optimal balance between shock absorption and environmental protection. The material is formulated to be sufficiently elastic to absorb mechanical shocks while maintaining adequate barrier properties against environmental penetration.
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 solution effectively protects the control device from environmental influences and mechanical damage, allowing the socket housing to be replaced without affecting the control device, thus reducing maintenance costs and ensuring continued functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The control capsule body (65) is formed by a cast body (66), in which the electrical components (62) of the control device (50) are encapsulated or encapsulated with a cast insulating material (67)
Implementation Method 2
If the cast insulation material is softer than the socket housing. Thus, the cast insulation material or the cast body can, for example, absorb shock loads that damage the socket housing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The socket (20a) has a plug contact arrangement (53) whose plug contacts (52) i.e. plug sockets, are arranged in a socket housing (51) to connect with a connection cable (35) of an onboard network of a motor vehicle. An electronic control device (50) is completely arranged in a control capsule body (65a), which completely encloses and encases one or multiple parts of electronic components i.e. circuit boards, of the electronic control device and electrically insulates the parts of the electronic components from environmental influences i.e. moistures.