Vibration-Dampened Cable Attachment With Elastic Connector Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for electrical cables in internal combustion engines are prone to damage due to vibrations, leading to wear and poor contact, which reduces their reliability over time.

Innovation Solution

A vibration-dampened cable attachment arrangement featuring an elastic part with a volume that houses the connector, supported by a compression mechanism and lamellae for even distribution of stress, minimizing movement and wear between connector parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector is used to allow mechanical disconnection of cables, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vibration-induced wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical disconnection capabilityVSAvoidconnector durability against vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element (rubber or foam material) that预先 absorbs and attenuates vibrations before they reach the connector. This cushioning element is positioned between the connector and the mounting surface, creating a protective barrier that reduces vibration transmission and prevents vibration-induced wear and damage to the connector components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid mounting is used to support the connector, then stability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased vibration transmission and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector mounting stabilityVSAvoidconnector resistance to vibration wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid mounting to elastic/damped mounting. The mounting solution changes the physical parameters of the connection system by introducing materials with different mechanical properties (rubber or foam) that provide both stability and vibration attenuation, thereby maintaining connector stability while reducing vibration transmission and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces failure rates and enhances the reliability of the connector by effectively dampening vibrations and providing mechanical protection, resulting in a stable and durable connection.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part (6), into which the connector (3) is arranged and through which the connector (3) is thus attached to the support surface (5) arranged in connection with the internal combustion engine. Thus, in the attachment arrangement the connector (3) is mechanically supported by means of the elastic part (6). This will accomplish dampening of the vibration having an effect on the connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1938427B1Vibration-dampened attachment arrangement of the cables of an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2011.10.05 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP1938427B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1938427B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1938427B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A vibration-dampened attachment arrangement (1) of a cable for an internal combustion engine, the arrangement comprising a connector (3), through which the conductors of a cable are detachably attached to a circuit and a support structure (4) through which the attachment arrangement (1) is supported to a support surface (5) arranged in connection with the internal combustion engine. The attachment arrangement comprises an elastic part (6) through which the connector is fastened to a support surface (5) arranged in connection with the internal combustion engine.