Visor Bracket Conductive Side Wall Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visor bracket systems for vehicles require complex electrical connections to the vehicle power system, making installation and manufacturing inefficient due to the need for pre-connection of plugs and sockets.
Innovation Solution
A visor bracket system with electrically-conducting materials integrated into the side walls and clamping walls, allowing for direct electrical communication with the vehicle power system upon mounting, eliminating the need for pre-connection of plugs and sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate connectors (plugs and sockets) are used for electrical connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector and the mounting bracket into a single integrated component. The connector is formed as part of the bracket structure itself, eliminating the need for separate plug and socket components. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the visor panel and vehicle power system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting support for the visor panel and incorporates the electrical connection function through the integrated connector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated electrical connectors, simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-connection of plugs and sockets is required, then proper electrical alignment is ensured, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is pre-formed as an integral part of the bracket during the bracket manufacturing process itself. The connector features are built-in during mold injection or forming, eliminating the need for separate pre-assembly steps. This preliminary action ensures proper electrical alignment is built into the design from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the connector and bracket into a single molded or formed component, the manufacturing process produces both the structural support and electrical connection features in one operation. This eliminates multiple manufacturing steps and improves overall production efficiency while maintaining precise electrical alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for mounting and electrical connection, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting bracket and electrical connector into a single integrated component. This reduces the total number of parts from multiple separate components (bracket, plug, socket) to a unified assembly, simplifying the device while maintaining all necessary functions of mechanical support and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bracket-connector assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical mounting, electrical connection, and structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Facilitates easier and faster installation and manufacturing by enabling electrical connectivity during the mounting process, reducing noise, vibration, and harshness while providing enhanced structural engagement and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-conducting material contacting the side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A visor bracket is provided to be mounted over a bracket aperture of an interior trim, where the visor bracket includes a bracket housing including a base and a side wall, the base defining a shaft aperture to receive there-through a support shaft of a visor panel, the side wall extending from the base and to be received through the bracket aperture along a mounting direction, and the visor bracket further includes an electrically-conducting material contacting the side wall.