Trailer Wiring Connector Mounting Bracket Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer wiring connectors are prone to damage and corrosion due to exposure when not properly secured to the towing vehicle, leading to unsafe driving conditions and connector deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket system comprising an upper and lower housing with slots and tabs, a set screw for clamping engagement, and a cover to protect the electrical connector, securing it to a cross bar of the towing vehicle, keeping it above the ground and shielding it from elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical connector is left hanging freely when the trailer is not properly coupled, then the connector is accessible and can be easily connected, but the connector is exposed to ground contact, abrasion, friction, impact, and environmental elements causing damage and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into an upper housing and a lower housing that can be separately assembled. The upper housing contains a receptacle for receiving the connector, while the lower housing provides structural support and mounting features. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while providing comprehensive protection when mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-assembled with the upper and lower housings connected via tabs and slots before being installed on the towing vehicle. This preliminary assembly ensures that the connector will be immediately protected upon installation, eliminating the need for the connector to hang freely and reducing exposure to damaging conditions during the coupling process.
2Reliability
If the electrical connector is secured in a protective mounting bracket, then the connector is protected from ground contact, abrasion, friction, impact, and environmental elements, but the connector requires additional assembly steps and mounting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into an upper housing and a lower housing that can be separately assembled. The upper housing contains a receptacle for receiving the connector, while the lower housing provides structural support and mounting features. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while providing comprehensive protection when mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is received within the upper housing, which is then nested within the lower housing. The tabs of the lower housing engage with the slots of the upper housing, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting arrangement protects the connector while minimizing the overall size and complexity of the mounting bracket.
3Reliability
If the electrical connector is mounted above the ground, then the connector is prevented from dragging and contacting the ground, but the mounting bracket requires secure attachment to the towing vehicle's cross bar
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-assembled with the upper and lower housings connected via tabs and slots before being installed on the towing vehicle. This preliminary assembly ensures that the connector will be immediately protected upon installation, eliminating the need for the connector to hang freely and reducing exposure to damaging conditions during the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to wrap around the circular cross-bar of the towing vehicle, with the lower housing featuring a curved mounting surface that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the cross bar. This curved design distributes mounting forces evenly around the cross bar, providing secure attachment while maintaining the ability to mount above ground level.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket for a trailer wiring connector is described. The mounting bracket may attach the electrical connector to a cross bar of a towing vehicle. The mounting bracket may include an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing may include a mounting aperture and a plurality of slots. The lower housing may include a threaded aperture and a plurality of tabs. The tabs may be capable of engagement with the slots to secure the upper housing to the lower housing. The lower housing may also include a clamping fastener, such as a set screw, that may be capable of engagement with a threaded aperture, wherein the set screw may be capable of clamping engagement with the electrical connector. The mounting bracket may also include a cover capable of engagement with the electrical connector.