Vehicle Connector Assembly With Feedback for Incomplete Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with multiple electronic systems face issues where electrical connectors may not be fully connected during manufacturing, leading to incomplete electric circuits that are only discovered during system testing or operation, highlighting a need for a feedback mechanism to ensure proper connection.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a connection indicator that provides feedback through radio frequency signals, electronic signals, visible light, or acoustic signals when connectors are connected or disconnected, utilizing a frangible portion, RFID tags, polarizing filters, and wireless pressure sensors to ensure complete circuit closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connectors are connected during vehicle manufacturing, then the electric circuit is closed and the electronic system can operate, but the connection may be incomplete due to insufficient force applied by technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through a connection indicator that provides visual or electronic feedback to indicate whether the electrical connectors are fully connected. The indicator includes a visible portion and an invisible portion that moves relative to each other, providing immediate feedback to technicians about the connection status, thereby preventing incomplete circuits from going undetected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (the connection indicator) that mediates between the electrical connector connection and the technician's awareness of the connection status. The indicator translates the mechanical connection state into a visible signal, serving as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the physical connection and the information about that connection.
2Reliability
If the electrical connectors are fully connected, then the electric circuit is complete and the electronic system functions properly, but there is no immediate way to verify the complete connection without testing the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the verification action in advance by providing a connection indicator that shows the connection status immediately when the connectors are joined, before the electronic system is fully tested or operated. This preliminary indication of connection status eliminates the need to wait for system-level testing to detect connection issues.
3Ease of operation
If a connection indicator is added to the electrical connector assembly, then the connection status can be immediately verified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection indication function from the main electrical connector body into a separate, dedicated indicator component. This allows the indicator to be designed independently with optimized simplicity while maintaining its verification function, and enables the main connector to retain its primary electrical connection function without added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection indicator serves multiple functions: it provides visual feedback about connection status, indicates proper alignment, and can serve as a mechanical guide for connection. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving ease of operation.
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 solution ensures that electrical connectors are properly connected by providing immediate feedback to technicians, preventing incomplete circuits and enhancing the reliability of electronic systems in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The frangible portion is adapted to fracture, in response to the second support portion being engaged by one of the electrical connectors and the electrical connectors connecting with one another
Implementation Method 2
an RFID tag having an integrated circuit that is coupled to the frangible portion. The integrated circuit breaks, in response to the frangible portion fracturing such that the RFID tag does not transmit the RF signal to a wireless transceiver device
Implementation Method 3
The connection indicator includes a light source for emitting a light, a first polarizing filter for transmitting the light along a first transmission plane, and a second polarizing filter for transmitting the light along a second transmission plane
Implementation Method 4
The gear train is attached to the second polarizing filter for moving the second polarizing filter to the second position, in response to the electrical connectors being connected to one another
Implementation Method 5
one or more wireless pressure sensors attached to one or more of the electrical connectors. The wireless pressure sensor emits the electronic signal, in response to the electrical connectors being connected to one another
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a pair of electrical connectors for electrically connecting to one another to close an electric circuit. The assembly further includes a connection indicator attached to one or more of the electrical connectors. The connection indicator generates a feedback, in response to the electrical connectors being one of connected to one another and disconnected from one another. The connection indicator is separate from the electric circuit, and the feedback is at least one of a radio frequency signal (RF signal), an electronic signal, a visible light, and an acoustic signal.