Vehicle Door Cable Connector Bolt-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable connectors for vehicle doors are time-consuming to assemble and prone to assembly errors due to the need for bolts and limited space, making it difficult for workers to securely fix the first connector to the vehicle body panel without mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring a first connector with a fitting member having cam and locking recesses, an elastic member with latching recesses, and a second connector with a slide lever and guide/protruding portions that allows for secure engagement without bolts, ensuring proper installation and waterproof sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts are used to fix the first connector to the panel, then the connector is securely fixed, but the assembly time increases and the operation becomes difficult in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bolts and fixing holes from the connector structure, extracting the fastening function to an elastic mounting member that engages with the panel opening. This eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and tools, directly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure fixation through elastic retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic mounting member provides self-service fixation by automatically engaging with the panel opening through elastic deformation. The member's elasticity enables it to clamp onto the opening without external fasteners, allowing the connector to secure itself to the panel during assembly, thereby improving both speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If bolts are used to fix the first connector to the panel, then the connector is securely fixed, but the operation difficulty increases due to limited space requiring motor-operated screwdrivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening operation from the assembly process by removing bolts and fixing holes. The elastic mounting member enables direct snap-fit or clamp-style installation, eliminating the need for motor-operated screwdrivers and manual fastening operations in the confined space between the vehicle body and door.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic mounting member performs self-service by automatically securing the connector to the panel through its elastic properties. The member deforms elastically during installation and maintains constant clamping force, providing reliable fixation without requiring complex fastening tools or operations in the limited workspace.
3Reliability
If conventional fixing methods are used, then the connector can be fixed, but assembly errors increase due to the complexity of the fixing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex multi-step fastening process involving bolts, fixing holes, and alignment requirements. The elastic mounting member simplifies the connection to a single engagement action, eliminating sources of assembly error such as incorrect bolt tightening sequences, misaligned holes, or improper fastener installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fixation mechanism from rigid mechanical fastening to elastic retention. This parameter change allows for tolerance compensation and self-alignment during assembly, reducing assembly errors by accommodating dimensional variations without requiring high-precision alignment or complex fastening procedures.
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 design enhances assembly efficiency by allowing secure installation of the second and first connectors without bolts, reducing assembly defects and improving waterproof sealing, thus preventing rattling or separation of the connector from the vehicle body panel.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member has at least one latching recess that engages an edge of a connecter mounting opening of a panel of a vehicle body
Implementation Method 2
The fitting member has at least one cam recess, at least one locking recess, and at least one elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector for a vehicle door has a first connector including a first contact terminal and a fitting member. The fitting member has at least one cam recess, at least one locking recess, and at least one elastic member. The elastic member has at least one latching recess that engages an edge of a connecter mounting opening of a panel of a vehicle body. The contact terminal and the fitting member have a flange with a waterproof seal provided there between. A second connector is engaged with the fitting member of the first connector. The second connector includes a second contact terminal and a slide lever. The slide lever has at least one guide protrusion and at least one locking protrusion. The slide lever is slideable to move the guide protrusion along the cam recess and lock the locking protrusion in the locking recess.