Mercedes proposes to reduce the wires in cars with a mechanical switch

Mercedes-Benz has registered a patent in Germany for an original design to connect light fixtures in a car's door or trunk lid to the onboard network.

According to a patent application published by the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), Mercedes-Benz may eliminate flexible wiring harnesses in the trunk lid or door, replacing them with a mechanical spring-loaded switch with electrical contacts.

The new design is intended to transmit power and control signals between the external and internal parts of the taillights, which are divided between the body and the movable panel. When the lid is closed, the contacts close automatically, providing an electrical connection without the use of a separate wiring branch.

Mercedes designers suggest that the spring mechanism can compensate for body movements and deformations, maintaining reliable contact even with twisting or shifting elements. This allows for the use of shortened wires and simplifies the rear of the vehicle layout.

Reducing wiring potentially decreases the weight, complexity, and cost of the design. At the same time, the main electrical connections remain closer to the main harness running through the body. Currently, this is just a patent, and the company has not announced plans to implement such a design solution in serial models.

Source: CarBuzz