Universal Vehicle Socket with Clinched Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle passenger compartment sockets are manufacturer-specific, requiring multiple designs and components, leading to increased production and inventory costs due to compatibility issues with different negative electrical connection tongues.
Innovation Solution
A socket assembly with a socket body compatible with multiple electrical connection elements, fixed by clinching, allowing for reduced part numbers and improved electrical conductivity, using a small number of parts (e.g., five) and featuring clinching for secure attachment without material addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a socket body is designed to accept only the appropriate negative electrical connection tongue for a specific manufacturer, then compatibility with that manufacturer's vehicles is ensured, but the number of different socket designs and components increases for each manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The socket body is designed with a universal receptacle that can accommodate negative electrical connection tongues from different manufacturers. The receptacle's geometry allows it to receive connection tongues with different cross-sectional shapes (circular, rectangular, polygonal) without requiring different socket body designs, thus reducing the number of components while maintaining compatibility.
2Reliability
If multiple different socket designs are produced for various manufacturers, then each manufacturer's specific requirements are met, but production and inventory management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single socket body design with a universal receptacle can serve multiple manufacturers by accommodating their different negative connection tongue designs. This eliminates the need to produce multiple different socket body designs, thereby reducing production complexity and inventory management costs while still meeting each manufacturer's specific compatibility requirements.
3Strength
If traditional fixing methods are used for electrical connection elements, then secure attachment is achieved, but material is added during fixing and electrical conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing method extracts the electrical connection element directly into the socket body through clinching, eliminating the need for additional fastening materials such as screws, rivets, or adhesives. The clinching process creates a secure mechanical interlock by deforming the connection element within the receptacle, achieving strong attachment without adding external materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates both mechanical fixation and electrical conductivity. Through clinching, the receptacle creates a deformable connection that secures the electrical connection element while maintaining direct metal-to-metal contact, ensuring both attachment security and electrical performance without intermediate fastening materials.
4Strength
If traditional fixing methods are used for electrical connection elements, then attachment is achieved, but electrical conductivity between the socket body and connection element may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle serves as an intermediary that simultaneously provides mechanical fixation and maintains electrical conductivity. The clinching process deforms the receptacle and connection element to create a secure mechanical interlock while preserving direct metal-to-metal contact, ensuring both strong attachment and reliable electrical connection without compromising conductivity.
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
Enables the production of sockets compatible with various manufacturers using fewer parts, reducing costs and ensuring better electrical conductivity, while preventing rotation of the electrical connection elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical connection element fixed to the socket body by clinching
Data Source
AI summary
A socket for a vehicle passenger compartment comprising a socket body and at least one electrical connection element fixed to the socket body by clinching. The socket is adapted for use on multiple vehicles of different manufacturers.