Vehicle Exterior Part Socket Structure for Deicing Without Weight Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle exterior parts made of resin obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves used by sensors when ice and snow adhere, and existing solutions like heater wires increase the weight of the parts due to the need for integral sockets and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle exterior part with a heater wire embedded in its body, a socket formed integrally with the body, and a connector pin that accepts a power supply plug, where the socket includes a thinned portion for reduced weight and improved airtightness testing, allowing the heater wire to be energized for melting ice and snow without significant weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater wire is connected to the power supply using a connector pin embedded in an integral socket, then the heater wire can be energized to melt ice and snow, but the vehicle exterior part experiences increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The connector pin is separated from the socket structure. The socket remains integral with the vehicle exterior part body, while the connector pin is inserted into the socket from the outside, allowing electrical connection without making the socket itself an separate heavy component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector pin acts as an intermediary element that bridges the power supply and the heater wire. It inserts into the integral socket to establish electrical connection, avoiding the need for a heavy separate connector housing while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
2Ease of manufacture
If a socket is formed integrally with the body of the vehicle exterior part, then the connector pin can be embedded for simplified connection, but the vehicle exterior part weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is formed with a localized thinned portion at the specific location where the connector pin needs to pass through. This local modification allows the connector pin to be embedded while minimizing the overall material usage and weight of the integral socket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thinned portion creates a dimensional variation in the socket wall thickness, providing a pathway for the connector pin while maintaining the integral structure. This dimensional change allows connection functionality without adding overall volume or weight.
3Weight of stationary object
If the socket wall thickness is reduced to minimize weight increase, then weight is reduced, but airtightness testing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The thinned portion is pre-formed in the socket during the molding process, creating a built-in access point for later airtightness testing. This preliminary structural feature enables testing without requiring additional holes or modifications after manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The thinned portion serves multiple functions: it reduces the overall weight of the socket, allows the connector pin to be inserted, and provides access for airtightness testing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate features for each purpose.
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 effectively melts ice and snow while minimizing weight increase and reducing the likelihood of shrinkage issues during molding, and enhances airtightness testing without additional holes, ensuring efficient electromagnetic wave transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Energizing the heater wire via the FPC causes the heater wire to generate heat, thereby melting the ice and snow that adhere to the vehicle exterior part.
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle exterior part is made of resin and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle exterior part includes a body, a heater wire, a socket formed integrally with the body, and a connector pin. Part of the connector pin is embedded into the socket. The heater wire extends into the socket and is joined to the connector pin. The socket is configured to accept a power supply plug. The vehicle exterior part is configured such that the heater wire is energized via the power supply plug and the connector pin. The socket includes a thinned portion.