Bonded Steering Computer Connection Box Without Screw Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power steering systems for vehicles are bulky, costly, and time-consuming to manufacture due to the need for screws and additional fastening parts, which increases the volume and complexity of the steering computer assembly.
Innovation Solution
A steering computer design where the connection box is fixed to the computer casing using a fixing element that is partly embedded in resin, eliminating the need for screws and studs, and utilizing a thermosetting resin for both bonding and sealing, thereby reducing bulk and manufacturing time while maintaining mechanical strength and environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws and studs are used to fix the connection box to the computer casing, then the mechanical strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the volume, device complexity, and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixing function and sealing function into a single integrated solution. The resin simultaneously bonds the connection box to the computer casing and seals the connection interface, eliminating the need for separate screws and seals. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly structure while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws and studs) with a chemical bonding system (resin). The resin cures to form a strong adhesive bond that holds the connection box in place, substituting mechanical fasteners with a chemical bonding mechanism. This reduces the number of fastening parts needed.
2Strength
If screws and additional fastening parts are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fixing, sealing, and protection) into a single resin application step. This eliminates multiple separate assembly operations such as screw insertion, tightening, and separate sealing applications, thereby reducing assembly time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fastening parts (screws and studs) from the assembly process. By removing these components entirely and replacing them with a resin-based fixing system, the assembly process is simplified and speed is improved without sacrificing connection strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection box is sealed with resin, then the protection of electronic components from humidity and dust is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the fixing function in a single resin application. The same resin that bonds the connection box to the computer casing also seals the connection interface, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and operations. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining protection against humidity and dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adhesive to fix the connection box, as a sealant to protect against environmental contaminants, and as a protective coating. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and operations needed, simplifying the manufacturing process.
4Strength
If studs with screw insertion places are used, then the mechanical connection is strengthened, but the volume of the steering computer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the studs and screw insertion places from the computer casing design. By eliminating these protruding fastening features, the overall volume of the steering computer is reduced. The resin-based fixing system requires no additional space for fasteners or their mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connection box mounting structure with the computer casing surface, eliminating the need for separate studs and insertion places. The connection box is bonded directly to the casing surface using resin, which reduces the overall volume by removing redundant structural elements.
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 results in a more compact, cost-effective, and efficiently manufactured steering computer with improved assembly speed and reduced resin usage, ensuring a secure and sealed connection without additional fastening parts, while maintaining the reliability of the electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
The resin forms a bond between the fixing element fixed to the computer casing, and more precisely to the external surface of the computer casing, and the connection box. The connection box is therefore held on the computer casing by gluing.
Implementation Method 2
The resin forms a seal of the connection box... The resin creates a «cohesively failing» adhesion between the at least one fixing element and the at least one connection box.
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a thermosetting resin for both bonding and sealing... the resin creates a «cohesively failing» adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A steering computer for a vehicle includes: at least one printed circuit positioned inside a computer casing, the computer casing including on an external surface at least one joining contact, at least one connection box provided with at least one connector, the at least one connector being connected to at least one joining contact, characterized in that the at least one connection box is fixed to the computer casing by means of at least one fixing element, said at least one fixing element being at least partially embedded in a resin.