Electrical center cap with lock-engaged machine-readable indicator confirmation

Abstract

A cover for an electrical center of a vehicle, comprising: a cover member defining a first cover lock assurance (CLA) feature and configured to cover electrical components of the electrical center when the first CLA feature is fully engaged with a second CLA feature defined by a housing of the electrical center; and a CLA system configured to assure full engagement of the cover member to the housing of the electrical center, the CLA system comprising a third CLA feature configured to selectively engage / disengage with the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature to engage the cover member to the housing of the electrical center, and a machine-readable indicator configured to be fully visible and readable by a CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated within the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to electrical center covers, and more specifically, to electrical center covers having a machine-readable indicator for confirming the locked engagement of the cover with the electrical center. Background Technology

[0002] The electrical center (also known as a power distribution module (PDB)) for a vehicle is responsible for power distribution to the vehicle's electrical system. A PDB typically consists of an array of electrical components (fuses, circuit breakers, relays, etc.) in a single unit. To protect the PDB and its electrical components from water and other environmental conditions, a cover is usually attached to the PDB. A cover locking assurance (CLA) involves ensuring the cover is fully engaged with the PDB. Conventional PDB covers include a CLA mechanism that relies on human confirmation, such as listening for an audible click. Human-dependent CLAs are unreliable, which can result in the PDB cover being lost or not fully engaged, leading to damage to the PDB's electrical components. This potential loss / damage increases costs. Therefore, while conventional vehicle electrical center covers function for their intended purpose, there are opportunities for improvement in the relevant technology.

[0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of presenting the general context of this disclosure. The work of the inventors currently mentioned to the extent described in this background section, and aspects described at the time of filing as prior art, are neither expressly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a cover for an electrical center of a vehicle is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the cover includes: a cover member defining a first cover locking assurance (CLA) feature and configured to cover electrical components of the electrical center when the first CLA feature is fully engaged with a second CLA feature defined by a housing of the electrical center; and a CLA system configured to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center, the CLA system including a third CLA feature and a machine-readable indicator, the third CLA feature being configured to selectively engage / disengage with the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature to engage the cover member with the housing of the electrical center, the machine-readable indicator being fully visible and readable by a CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated within the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature.

[0005] In some implementations, the machine-readable indicator is configured such that it is not fully visible and readable by the CLA device when the third CLA feature is partially coupled to the second CLA feature. In some implementations, the machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix. In some implementations, the two-dimensional data matrix is ​​a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0006] In some implementations, the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature are engageable notch features, and wherein the third CLA feature is a clip feature that slidably engages through the first CLA feature and engages with the second CLA feature. In some implementations, the electrical center is the power distribution module (PDB) of the vehicle. In some implementations, the cover prevents water from entering the PDB and damaging the electrical components therein.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for covering an electrical center of a vehicle is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the method includes: providing a cover member defining a first cover locking assurance (CLA) feature and configured to cover electrical components of the electrical center when the first CLA feature is fully engaged with a second CLA feature defined by a housing of the electrical center; and providing a CLA system configured to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center, the CLA system including: a third CLA feature and a machine-readable indicator, the third CLA feature being configured to selectively engage / disengage with the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature to engage the cover member with the housing of the electrical center, the machine-readable indicator being fully visible and readable by a CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated within the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature.

[0008] In some implementations, the method further includes partially engaging the third CLA feature with the second CLA feature, wherein the machine-readable indicator is configured such that when the third CLA feature is partially engaged with the second CLA feature, the machine-readable indicator is not fully visible and readable by the CLA device. In some implementations, the method further includes fully engaging and seating the third CLA feature within the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature; and reading the machine-readable indicator via the CLA device to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center.

[0009] In some implementations, the machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix. In some implementations, the two-dimensional data matrix is ​​a Quick Response (QR) code. In some implementations, the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature are engageable notch features, and wherein the third CLA feature is a clip feature that slidably engages through the first CLA feature and engages with the second CLA feature. In some implementations, the electrical center is the power distribution module (PDB) of the vehicle. In some implementations, the cover prevents water from entering the PDB and damaging the electrical components therein.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for assembling a portion of an electrical system for a vehicle is presented. In one exemplary implementation, the method includes: providing an electrical center of the electrical system, wherein the electrical center defines a housing and includes electrical components housed by the housing, and wherein the housing defines a first cover locking assurance (CLA) feature; providing a cover configured to cover the electrical components of the electrical center when engaged with the housing of the electrical center, wherein the cover includes a cover member defining a second CLA feature, and a CLA system configured to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center; engaging at least partially a third CLA feature of the CLA system with the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature to engage the cover member with the housing of the electrical center; and attempting to read a machine-readable indicator of the CLA system via a CLA device, wherein the machine-readable indicator is configured to be fully visible and readable by the CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated within the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature.

[0011] In some implementations, the method further includes: partially engaging the third CLA feature with only the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature, such that the machine-readable indicator is not fully visible; and making it impossible to read the machine-readable indicator by the CLA device, thereby failing to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center. In some implementations, the method further includes: fully engaging and seating the third CLA feature within the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature; and successfully reading the machine-readable indicator by the CLA device, thereby ensuring that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center. In some implementations, the machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix. In some implementations, the two-dimensional data matrix is ​​a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0012] Further applicability of this disclosure will become apparent from the specific embodiments provided below. It should be understood that the specific embodiments and examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] This disclosure will be more fully understood through detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figures 1A to 1B An exploded view and a perspective view of the cover of the electrical center of a vehicle, including a first corresponding CLA feature and a second corresponding CLA feature, according to some implementations of this disclosure, are shown.

[0015] Figures 2A to 2B An exploded view and perspective view of a lid locking assurance (CLA) system including a third CLA feature and a machine-readable indicator, according to some implementations of this disclosure, are shown.

[0016] Figures 3A to 3B Front views of partially joined and fully joined configurations of some implementations according to this disclosure are shown;

[0017] Figures 4A to 4B Enlarged perspective and cross-sectional views of the housing with cover and electrical center according to some implementations of the present disclosure, as well as the first CLA feature, the second CLA feature and the third CLA feature;

[0018] Figures 5A to 5C Cross-sectional views of a first CLA feature, a second CLA feature, and a third CLA feature at various stages of engagement, according to some implementations of this disclosure, are shown; and

[0019] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown of a portion of an electrical system for assembling a vehicle, and more specifically, a flowchart of an example method for covering the electrical center of a vehicle, according to some implementations of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As previously discussed, conventional electrical center covers (such as power distribution modules or PDBs) include a cover locking mechanism that ensures a locking CLA (Clearing and Locking) that relies on human confirmation, such as listening for an audible click. Human-dependent CLAs are unreliable, which can result in the PDB cover being lost or not fully engaged, leading to damage to the electrical components of the PDB. This potential loss / damage increases costs. Therefore, while conventional vehicle electrical center covers function for their intended purpose, there are opportunities for improvement in the relevant technology. References are now made. Figures 1A to 1BAn exploded and perspective view of a cover 100 for an electrical center 104 of a larger electrical system (not shown) for a vehicle (not shown) according to some implementations of this disclosure is shown. For the purposes of this disclosure, the electrical center 104 is a PDB, which includes electrical components such as fuses, circuit breakers, relays, etc., in a single unit. However, it will be appreciated that the systems and methods of this disclosure can be applied to any suitable electrical center requiring covering.

[0021] Cover 100 generally includes cover member 108 and CLA system 112. When CLA system 112 is fully engaged (including engagement of the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature defined by cover member 108 and electrical center 104 (shown in other figures and described below), cover member 108 is configured to cover (generally shown) the electrical components of electrical center 104. For example, cover 100 can protect or isolate the electrical components of electrical center 104 from water / moisture that could potentially cause damage. CLA system 112 also includes a third CLA feature 116. Referring now to... Figures 2A to 2B Continuing with reference to the preceding figures, exploded and perspective views of example configurations of a CLA system 112 according to some implementations of this disclosure are shown. As shown, a third CLA feature 116 is a clip feature that defines a top / base member 120, a bottom / clip member 124, and an opposing outer clip member 128.

[0022] In addition to the machine-readable indicator 136 (which is also part of the CLA system 112) defined by the cover member 108, the cover member 108 also defines a first CLA feature 132. An electrical center 104 (e.g., its housing) defines a second CLA feature 140, which can be engaged by the first CLA feature 132 and a third CLA feature 116 (via the bottom / clamp member 124). As shown, these first CLA features 132 and second CLA features 140 are engageable recesses that slidably engage with each other but do not provide a locking function. Reference now. Figures 3A to 3B and Figures 4A to 4B Referring again to the preceding figures, a front view of a partially engaged and fully engaged configuration of a CLA system 112 including a machine-readable indicator 136, according to some implementations of this disclosure, is shown, along with enlarged perspective and cross-sectional views of the cover 100 and the electrical center 104.

[0023] As shown, the machine-readable indicator 136 is configured such that when the third CLA feature 116 is fully engaged and seated within the first CLA feature 132 and the second CLA feature 140, the machine-readable indicator 136 is fully visible and readable by the CLA device (not shown). Figures 4A to 4BThe second CLA feature 140 (defined within the housing 144 of the electrical center 104) and its clipping member 148 are shown in more detail below. In one exemplary implementation, the machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix or a barcode, such as a Quick Response (QR) code. It will be appreciated that other suitable machine-readable indicators may be utilized, provided they are only partially visible when the third CLA feature 116 is only partially engaged, such as... Figure 3A As shown. Although the CLA device is not explicitly shown, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the CLA device can be any handheld or automatically controlled scanning or reading device (camera, infrared scanner, etc.) for a machine-readable indicator. By requiring the third CLA feature 116 to be fully engaged and seated for subsequent reading of the machine-readable indicator 136, it is ensured that the cover 100 is fully engaged with the electrical center 104.

[0024] Now refer to Figures 5A to 5C The following is a more detailed cross-sectional view of a first CLA feature 132, a second CLA feature 140, and a third CLA feature 116 at various stages of engagement according to some implementations of this disclosure. Figure 5A In the middle, the third CLA feature 116 partially engages until the bottom / clamp member 124 contacts the surface 152 of the cover member 108. Apart from this point, the third CLA feature 116 engages with the first CLA feature 132, but is still removable from the cover member 108 (i.e., the second CLA feature 132). Figure 5B In the middle, the third CLA feature 116 is partially engaged, such that the bottom / clamping member 124 of the third CLA feature 116 engages with the clamping member 148 of the second CLA feature 140. This indicates that the third CLA feature 116 is engaged with both the first CLA feature 132 and the second CLA feature 140, but not fully engaged. Finally, in Figure 5C In the middle, the third CLA feature 116 is fully engaged and seated with the clamping member 148 of the second CLA feature 140 (electrical center 104), and the clamping member 148 is engaged with the surface 152 of the second CLA feature 132 (cover member 108).

[0025] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a portion of an electrical system for assembling a vehicle, and more specifically, a flowchart of an example method 200 for covering the electrical center of a vehicle, according to some implementations of this disclosure. While generally referenced to Figures 1 to... Figure 5CThe components are described, but it will be appreciated that method 200 is applicable to the assembly of any suitable electrical center / system. At 204, an electrical center 104 is provided. At 208, a cover 208 including a cover member 108 and a CLA system 112 is provided. At 212, the cover member 108 is connected to or engaged with the electrical center 104. At 216, a third CLA feature 116 is engaged with a first CLA feature 132 and a second CLA feature 140. At 220, the CLA device attempts to read the machine-readable indicator 136. This can also be described as a scanning operation or a reading attempt. At 224, a determination is made (e.g., by the CLA device or a robotic installer) as to whether the machine-readable indicator 136 was successfully read. For example, when the third CLA feature 116 is only partially engaged and not fully seated, the machine-readable indicator 136 is not fully visible and therefore not machine-readable. If successful, at 228, a cover-electric center locking connection is secured, and method 200 ends or returns to 204 for another cycle. Otherwise, method 200 returns to 216, where engagement of the third CLA feature 116 continues, and another attempt is made to secure the cover-electric center locking connection.

[0026] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of protection to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms without requiring the specific details, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless expressly identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0028] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0029] As used herein, the term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); electronic circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); storage of executable code or procedures in a processor or a distributed network of processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and a networked cluster or data center; other suitable components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip. The term "module" may also include memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) storing code executed by one or more processors.

[0030] As used above, the term "code" can include software, firmware, bytecode, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. As used above, the term "shared" means that some or all of the code from multiple modules can be executed using a single (shared) processor. Additionally, some or all of the code from multiple modules can be stored in a single (shared) memory. As used above, the term "group" means that some or all of the code from a single module can be executed using a group of processors. Additionally, a set of memory can be used to store some or all of the code from a single module.

[0031] The techniques described herein can be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes computer-executable instructions stored on a non-transient tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0032] Certain parts of the above description present the techniques described herein based on the algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are means by which those skilled in the art of data processing effectively communicate the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Although these operations are described functionally or logically, they should be understood as being implemented by computer programs. Furthermore, it has repeatedly proven convenient, without loss of generality, to arrange these operations as modules or to name them by function.

[0033] Unless otherwise specified, as is apparent from the foregoing discussion, it should be understood that the discussion throughout the specification using terms such as “processing,” “calculating,” “calculating,” “determining,” and “displaying” refers to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within computer system memory and registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0034] Certain aspects of the described technology include processing steps and instructions described herein in algorithmic form. It should be noted that the described processing steps and instructions may be embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and when embodied in software, may be downloaded to reside on and be operated from different platforms used by a real-time network operating system.

[0035] This disclosure also relates to means for performing the operations described herein. Such means may be specifically configured for a desired purpose, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium accessible to the computer. Such computer programs may be stored in tangible computer-readable storage media, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards or optical cards, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore, a computer referred to herein may include a single processor or may be an architecture employing multiple processors to enhance computing power.

[0036] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and may be used in selected embodiments where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The same parts may also be varied in various ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cover for an electrical center of a vehicle, the cover comprising: A cover member that defines a first cover locking assurance (CLA) feature and is configured to cover electrical components of the electrical center when the first CLA feature is fully engaged with a second CLA feature defined by the housing of the electrical center, wherein the second CLA feature includes a clipping member; as well as A CLA system, configured to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center, the CLA system comprising: A third CLA feature, configured to selectively engage / disengage with the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature, to engage the cover member to the housing of the electrical center; as well as A machine-readable indicator is configured such that it is fully visible and readable by the CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated with the clip member of the second CLA feature.

2. The cover as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The machine-readable indicator is configured such that when the third CLA feature is partially engaged with the second CLA feature, the machine-readable indicator is not fully visible and readable by the CLA device.

3. The cover as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix.

4. The cover as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The two-dimensional data matrix is ​​a Quick Response (QR) code.

5. The cover as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first CLA feature and the second CLA feature are engageable notch features, and wherein the third CLA feature is a clip feature that slidably engages through the first CLA feature and engages with the second CLA feature.

6. The cover as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical center is the power distribution module (PDB) of the vehicle.

7. The cover as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The cover prevents water from entering the PDB and damaging the electrical components within it.

8. A method for covering the electrical center of a vehicle, the method comprising: A cover member is provided, the cover member defining a first cover locking assurance (CLA) feature and being configured to cover electrical components of the electrical center when the first CLA feature is fully engaged with a second CLA feature defined by the housing of the electrical center, wherein the second CLA feature includes a clipping member; A CLA system is provided, the CLA system being configured to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center, the CLA system comprising: A third CLA feature, configured to selectively engage / disengage with the first and second CLA features to engage the cover member to the housing of the electrical center; and A machine-readable indicator is configured such that it is fully visible and readable by the CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated with the clip member of the second CLA feature.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The third CLA feature is partially coupled to the second CLA feature, wherein the machine-readable indicator is configured such that when the third CLA feature is partially coupled to the second CLA feature, the machine-readable indicator is not fully visible and readable by the CLA device.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated within the first CLA feature and the second CLA feature; as well as The CLA device reads the machine-readable indicator to ensure that the cover component is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The two-dimensional data matrix is ​​a Quick Response (QR) code.

13. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first CLA feature and the second CLA feature are engageable notch features, and wherein the third CLA feature is a clip feature that slidably engages through the first CLA feature and engages with the second CLA feature.

14. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The electrical center is the power distribution module (PDB) of the vehicle.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The cover prevents water from entering the PDB and damaging the electrical components within it.

16. A method for assembling a part of an electrical system of a vehicle, the method comprising: An electrical center is provided for the electrical system, wherein the electrical center defines a housing and includes electrical components housed by the housing, and wherein the housing defines a first cover locking assurance (CLA) feature; A cover is provided, the cover being configured to cover the electrical components of the electrical center when engaged with the housing of the electrical center, wherein the cover includes a cover member and a CLA system, the cover member defining a second CLA feature, the CLA system being configured to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center, and wherein the second CLA feature includes a clip member; The third CLA feature of the CLA system is at least partially engaged with the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature to engage the cover member with the housing of the electrical center; and The CLA device attempts to read the machine-readable indicator of the CLA system, wherein the machine-readable indicator is configured to be fully visible and readable by the CLA device when the third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated with the clip member of the second CLA feature.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The third CLA feature is only partially coupled with the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature, such that the machine-readable indicator is not fully visible; and The machine-readable indicator cannot be read by the CLA device, thus making it impossible to ensure that the cover member is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The third CLA feature is fully engaged and seated within the second CLA feature and the first CLA feature; as well as The CLA device successfully reads the machine-readable indicator, thereby ensuring that the cover component is fully engaged with the housing of the electrical center.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The machine-readable indicator is a two-dimensional data matrix.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The two-dimensional data matrix is ​​a Quick Response (QR) code.

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