Vehicle Electronic Component Mounting Feature With Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle electronic component connection systems are costly and time-consuming to install, uninstall, and replace, as they often require complex screw and bracket systems, and known electrical connectors are difficult to visually identify and mate correctly.

Innovation Solution

A modular connection system featuring a mounting feature with a substrate and apertures that includes primary and secondary connectors, allowing easy electrical coupling of electronic components to a vehicle's wiring system, with a controller for detection and calibration of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex screw and bracket systems are used for connecting electronic components, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a mounting feature with aperture for mechanical support and alignment, and a separate electrical connector for electrical coupling. This segmentation allows the mechanical and electrical connection functions to be performed independently and simultaneously, reducing overall installation time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting feature integrates both mechanical support functions (holding the component) and electrical connection functions (providing the aperture for connector passage and housing for electrical contacts) into a single unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate brackets and connection hardware, reducing installation steps and time while maintaining secure mechanical and electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If complex screw and bracket systems are used for connecting electronic components, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting feature serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the electronic component, defines the aperture for connector alignment and passage, houses the electrical contacts, and enables both mechanical retention and electrical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall connection system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional electrical connectors are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but visual identification and correct mating become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidconnector identification and mating

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector incorporates visual identification features such as colored elements, markings, or contrasting colors on its exterior surfaces. These visual cues enable quick and accurate identification of the correct connector orientation and mating partner, eliminating the difficulty of visually identifying and correctly mating traditional electrical connectors, thereby improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If entire electronic components are replaced to upgrade vehicle capabilities, then functionality is improved, but cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle capability upgradeVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system enables independent replacement of the electronic component through the standardized mounting feature and electrical connector interface, without requiring replacement of the entire assembly or surrounding structures. This modular segmentation allows for quick swapping of individual components to upgrade vehicle capabilities, significantly reducing replacement time and cost compared to replacing entire components or assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11052817B2Connection systems, apparatus, and related methods for use with vehicle electronic components

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Connection systems, apparatus, and related methods for use with vehicle electronic components are disclosed. A disclosed connection system for a vehicle includes an electronic component of the vehicle and a primary connector positioned on the electronic component. The connection system also includes a mounting feature positioned on a portion of the vehicle. The mounting feature includes a substrate and an aperture defined by the substrate. The mounting feature is configured to electrically couple the electronic component to a wiring system of the vehicle in response to insertion of the primary connector in the aperture.