Description:A COVER STRUCTURE FOR A CONNECTOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a connector cover structure in a vehicle. The present invention is particularly related to providing a cover structure for protecting the connector and a harness connecting the connector from potential damage due to a luggage compartment area of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.
[0003] With the advancement of automotive electronics, the amount of electrical components in a car body, such as switches, sensors, actuators, and the like, has expanded. These electrical components are connected by oversized and intricate wiring harnesses. Further, these electrical components are provided at different locations in a vehicle, such as a luggage compartment area of the vehicle.
[0004] In the existing design, the harness or harness connector/coupler is exposed in the luggage compartment area of a vehicle and therefore the harness connector/coupler is always vulnerable to being hit by heavy luggage. The presence of heavy luggage poses a potential risk to the electrical harness and its connector/coupler.
[0005] As, these connectors are crucial for the proper functioning of various electrical components within the vehicle, and any damage to them can lead to severe consequences, such as short circuits or even fire hazards.
[0006] Additionally, accidental water spillage in the luggage compartment area can further exacerbate the risk of circuit damage and impair the intended functionality of the electrical system.
[0007] A possible solution is providing a specialized mounting bracket for harness connectors is provided in luggage compartment area. The bracket is designed to securely fasten the connector, reducing the risk of accidental dislodging due to heavy luggage movement. While it offers mechanical protection, it does not address the vulnerability of the connector to water exposure.
[0008] The existing solutions demonstrate efforts to address specific aspects of protecting harness connectors in the luggage compartment area, however there is still a need for a comprehensive solution that effectively safeguards the connectors from both physical impacts and water damage.
[0009] It is therefore desirable to protect the connector from impacts caused by heavy luggage and implementing effective waterproofing techniques, the proposed invention aims to provide an enhanced level of safety and reliability for the electrical systems in the luggage compartment area.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] It forms an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks/limitations in the existing solutions available in the form of related prior arts.
[0011] It is a primary object of the present disclosure is to address the potential risks posed by heavy luggage and accidental water spillage to the electrical harness and its connector/coupler in a luggage compartment area of the vehicle.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to protect the connector by using a cover structure that provides all-around protection from damage by the luggage compartment area.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to minimize the potential for circuit damage and maintain the intended functionality of the electrical system, even in the presence of heavy luggage or accidental water spillage.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention is to address the vulnerabilities and minimizes the risk of electrical system failures, short circuits, and fire hazards.
[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a cost-effective solution to achieve the above objectives.
[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0017] A solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0018] The present disclosure provides a solution in the form of a cover structure to protect a connector in a vehicle. The cover structure includes a cover portion and a mounting portion where the mounting portion extends perpendicularly outwardly away from one lateral edge of the cover portion and the cover portion has a vertical side and a horizontal side which is angular to the vertical side, wherein other edge lateral of the cover portion defines a curved shaped flange extending perpendicularly in an inward direction.
[0019] In an aspect, the mounting portion has a plurality of bosses extending outwardly away from an inner surface of the mounting portion.
[0020] In an aspect, a plurality of ribs extends from each of the plurality of bosses at an equal angular distance from each other on the inner surface of the mounting portion, wherein two horizontal-shaped ribs and a vertical-shaped rib join with the boss to form a T shape.
[0021] In an aspect, a bead structure provided along outer side of the mounting portion, the bead structure define a thickness (x) which is more than thickness (X) of the mounting portion.
[0022] In an aspect, the plurality of ribs define height (h), the height (h) is equal to difference of thickness (X-x) between the bead structure and the mounting portion.
[0023] In an aspect, the cover structure is joined with the quarter lower part trim by means of known method such as chemical bonding, mechanical bonding where chemical bonding includes adhesive, or glue and mechanical bonding includes snap fitting or fastener mounting or heat fusion bonding
[0024] In an aspect, the plurality of bosses are welded/heat staking/any other fusion process with the quarter lower part trim to establish proper fixing or attachment between the cover structure and the quarter lower part trim. The attachment of the cover structure and the quarter lower part-time utilizing the plurality of bosses achieve gap and flushness requirement between the cover structure and the quarter lower part trim keeping in mind the vehicle appearance.
[0025] In an aspect, at least two longitudinal ribs are provided at a joinery of the mounting portion and the cover portion, where the at least two longitudinal ribs extend on the cover portion.
[0026] In an aspect, a felt/fabric is provided on a surface of the cover portion that faces the connector.
[0027] In an aspect, length (D) of the cover portion is greater than length (d) of the connector.
[0028] In an aspect, the cover structure is provided in a luggage compartment area of the vehicle to protect the connector.
[0029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0030] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0031] Fig. 1a and 1b illustrate a cover structure intergrated to a quarter lower trim of a vehicle according to the present invention;
[0032] Fig. 2a illustrates a prespective view of the cover structure according to the present disclosure;
[0033] Fig. 2b illustrates ribs located on a cover portion of the cover structure according to the present disclosure; and
[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the cover structure according to the present disclosure.
[0035] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0036] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0037] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0038] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0040] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0041] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] The present invention comprises a cover structure designed to protect a connector and connector harness and mitigate the potential risks associated with heavy luggage and accidental water spillage in a luggage compartment area of a vehicle. The cover structure incorporates innovative features and components that safeguard the electrical harness and its connector, thereby minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring the reliable operation of the electrical system.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1a and 1b, the following detailed description provides a comprehensive specification for the invention, which involves a cover structure (100) designed to protect a connector (101) and a harness (104) connecting the connector in the luggage compartment of a vehicle. The cover structure (100) comprises various components and features that ensure the proper shielding and safeguarding of the connector (101) from potential damage.
[0044] The cover structure (100) is a plastic part that is integrated into a quarter lower part trim (102) of the vehicle. The cover structure (100) accommodates the connector (101) in a space that faces down the luggage carpet (103) of the luggage compartment area (105) of the vehicle.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2a, the cover structure (100) comprises a cover portion (201) and a mounting portion (205). The mounting portion (205) extends perpendicularly outwardly away from one lateral edge (203b) of the cover portion (201). Further, the mounting portion (205) extends in an upwards direction from the one lateral edge (203b) of the cover portion (201). The cover portion (201) has a vertical side (202a) and an angular horizontal side (202b).
[0046] The angular horizontal side (202b) is provided at an angle with the top edge of the vertical side (202a). The angular horizontal side (202b) prevents water clogging around the connector (101) in case of accidental water spillage in a luggage compartment area (105 as provided in Fig. 1)
[0047] The other lateral edge (203a) of the cover portion (201) defines a curved shaped flange (204) that extends perpendicularly in an inward direction. The curved-shaped flange (204) may define an S shape or curved shape where one end has more height as compared to the other end. The S shape provides a space for accommodating the harness that is connected to the connector (101). Preferably, the curved shape flange (204) defines less height at a corner portion of the vertical side (202a) and the angular horizontal side (202b) as compared to the distal end of the curved-shaped flange (204).
[0048] In one embodiment, the mounting portion (205) may have different lengths and widths to accommodate various vehicle models and connector sizes.
[0049] In another embodiment, the complete size of the cover structure may vary according to the size of the connector and the dimensions of the vehicle.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2B, at least two longitudinal ribs (207a, 207b) are provided at the joinery of the mounting portion (205) and the cover portion (201). The longitudinal ribs (207a, 207b) extend on the cover portion (201) and contribute to the overall strength and stability of the cover structure (100).
[0051] In a further embodiment, the number and position of the longitudinal ribs (207a, 207b) may vary. Additional longitudinal ribs or a different arrangement may be implemented to enhance structural integrity and prevent deformation of the cover portion (201).
[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, the mounting portion (205) includes a plurality of bosses (301a, 301b, 301c) that extend outwardly from an inner surface of the mounting portion (205) towards a quarter lower trim (102 as provided in Fig. 1) of the vehicle. The bosses (301a, 301b, 301c) provide structural support and facilitate secure attachment of the cover structure (100) to the quarter lower trim (102) of the vehicle.
[0053] Further, a plurality of ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 303a, 303b, 303c, 304a, 304b, 304c) extend from each of the bosses (301a, 301b, 301c) at an equal angular distance from each other on the inner surface of the mounting portion (205).
[0054] Furthermore, the ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 304a, 304b, 304c, 303a, 303b, 303c) join with each of the bosses (301a, 301b, 301c) to form a ‘T’ shape structure. This rib configuration enhances the structural integrity of the cover structure (100) and provides additional support to the connector (101).
[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the number and arrangement of the ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 303a, 303b, 303c, 304a, 304b, 304c) may vary. For example, there could be fewer ribs or a different geometric pattern to optimize the structural support based on specific requirements.
[0056] Also, a bead structure (206) is provided along the outer side edge of the mounting portion (205). The bead structure (206) has a thickness (x) that is more than the thickness (X) of the mounting portion (205).
[0057] In another embodiment, the bead structure (206) may have a different shape or profile, such as a textured surface or grooves, to enhance grip and provide a secure fit.
[0058] The bead structure (206) provided a secure zero touch with the quarter lowe trim (102) which ensures better gap control with the quarter lower trim thereby ensuring better fit and finish.
[0059] Further, the plurality of ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 303a, 303b, 303c, 304a, 304b, 304c) define a height (h) that is equal to the difference in thickness (X-x) between the bead structure (206) and the mounting portion (205). This height of the plurality of ribs ensure that mounting portion (205) completely remain in touch with the surface of the quarter lower trim 102 and there is no uneven gap. Further, the pluraliry of ribs ensures sufficient clearance and protection for the connector (101) while maintaining the overall compactness of the cover structure (100).
[0060] The plurality of bosses 301a, 301b, 301c are welded/heat staking/any other fusion process with the quarter lower part trim to establish proper fixing or attachment between the cover structure and the quarter lower trim. The attachment of the cover structure and the quarter lower time utilizing the plurality of bosses achieve gap and flushness requirement between the cover structure and the quarter lower part trim keeping in mind the vehicle appearance.
[0061] In an another aspect, the cover structure 100 may be attached with the quarter lower trim 102 by means of chemical bonding or mechanical bonding whereas the chemical bonding includes adhesive or glue or any other known means; and mechanical bonding includes snap fitting or fasteners or heat fusion or any other known means.
[0062] Furthermore, a felt or a fabric material (304) is provided on the surface of the cover portion (201) that faces the connector (101). This material acts as a protective barrier, preventing direct contact between the cover structure (100) and the connector (101), thus minimizing the risk of damage and noise prevention.
[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the cover portion (201) may utilize different materials for the protective surface facing the connector (101). For example, a soft silicone coating or a shock-absorbent material may be used instead of felt or fabric.
[0064] Another embodiment may include a multi-layered surface with different materials, such as a combination of rubber and foam, to provide enhanced protection and vibration dampening.
[0065] The length (D) of the cover portion (201) is greater than the lenght (d) of the connector (101). This design ensures sufficient coverage and protection for the connector (101) when the cover structure (100) is installed.
[0066] In a further embodiment, the cover structure length (D) may be adjustable or customizable to ensure compatibility with connectors of different sizes.
[0067] An embodiment may incorporate a modular design where multiple cover portions (201) of varying lengths can be combined or interchanged to accommodate different length (d) of the connector (101).
[0068] The cover structure (100) is specifically designed for use in the luggage compartment area of the vehicle to protect the connector (101). This application ensures the safety and integrity of the connector (101) in a high-risk environment.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the cover structure (100) may be designed for applications beyond the luggage compartment area (105), such as protecting connectors in other vehicle compartments or even in non-automotive settings.
[0070] Another embodiment may include additional features, such as integrated locking mechanisms or tamper-evident seals, to provide enhanced security for the connector (101).
[0071] The various embodiments demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of the cover structure (100) to suit different connector sizes, vehicle models, and functional requirements. It allows for customization, improved structural integrity, ease of installation, and enhanced protection in various applications.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0072] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, the cover structure is designed to protect a connector in a vehicle.
[0073] The various components and features of the cover structure work together to ensure effective shielding and safeguarding of the connector from potential damage or external elements.
[0074] Water retainment due to spillage of water in the luggage compartment area.
[0075] The present invention is cost effective.
[0076] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Also, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0077] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature , Claims:We claim:
1. A cover structure (100) to protect a connector (101) in a vehicle, the cover structure (100) comprising:
a cover portion (201) and a mounting portion (205) where the mounting portion (205) extends perpendicularly outwardly away from one lateral edge (203b) of the cover portion (201); and
the cover portion (201) having a vertical side (202a) and a horizontal side (202b) which is angular to the vertical side (202a),
wherein other edge lateral (203a) of the cover portion (201) defines an curved shaped flange (204) extending perpendicularly in an inward direction.

2. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting portion (205) has a plurality of bosses (301a, 301b, 301c) extending outwardly away from inner surface of the mounting portion (205).

3. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 303a, 303b, 303c, 304a, 304b, 304c) extend from each of the plurality of bosses (301a, 301b, 301c) at an equal angular distance from each other on an inner surface of the mounting portion (205), wherein the ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 304a, 304b, 304c, 303a, 303b, 303c) forms a T shape with each of the plurality of bosses (301a, 301b, 301c).

4. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bead structure (206) provided along outer side edge of the mounting portion (205), the bead structure (206) define a thickness (x) which is more than thickness (X) of the mounting portion (205).

5. The cover structure as claimed in claim 4 and 5, wherein the plurality of ribs (302a, 302b, 302c, 303a, 303b, 303c, 304a, 304b, 304c) define height (h), the height (h) is equal to difference of thickness (X-x) between the bead structure (206) and the mounting portion (205).

6. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two longitudinal ribs (207a, 207b) are provided at a joinery of the mounting portion (205) and the cover portion (201), where the at least two longitudinal ribs (207a, 207b) extend on the cover portion (201).

7. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a felt/fabric (304) is provided on a surface of the cover portion (201) that faces the connector (101).

8. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein length (D) of the cover portion (201) is greater than lenght (d) of the connector.

9. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover structure (100) is provided in a luggage compartment area of the vehicle to protect the connector (101).

10. The cover structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover structure (100) is attached with the lower quarter trim (102) by means of welding or chemical bonding or mechanical bonding.