Branch Circuit Body With Integrated Shielding And Engaging Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing branch circuit structures are complex, costly, and inflexible, with a large number of components and restricted branch positions, making it difficult to easily branch electric wires while maintaining good shielding and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A branch circuit body and manufacturing method that uses a first and second shield tube with an engaging member to securely connect and shield electric wires, allowing for easy branching without additional devices like branch boxes or connectors, and a mold portion to protect and waterproof the connecting points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a power distribution module with housing and connector is used to branch electric wires, then the shielding interface is defined and connectors are provided, but the number of components increases, cost increases, structure becomes complicated and size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding interfaceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power distribution module housing, connector, and branching function into an integrated structure. The housing directly forms the shielding interface and accommodates the branching of electric wires, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing component count while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, defines the shielding interface, accommodates wire branching, and integrates connector functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a power distribution module with housing and connector is used to branch electric wires, then the shielding interface is defined, but the structure becomes complicated and the size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding interfaceVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for additional external components like separate connectors and mounting brackets. This integration significantly reduces the overall volume occupied by the power distribution module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a power distribution module is used, then the shielding interface is provided, but the number of branch circuits and branch positions are restricted, making it difficult to flexibly change the number of electric wires and branch positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding interfaceVSAvoidflexibility of branch positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with flexible branching capabilities that allow the number and positions of electric wire branches to be adjusted according to different application requirements. The structure accommodates variable configurations while maintaining the shielding interface integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If existing branch circuit structures are used, then shielding is provided, but the structure is complex and costly with a large number of components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveshieldingVSAvoidcost and component count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the shielding function directly into the housing structure rather than using separate shielding components. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers overall cost while maintaining effective shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3550677B1Branch circuit body and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3550677B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3550677B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3550677B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A branch circuit body includes a first electric wire, a first shield tube that covers the first electric wire and has an opening, a second electric wire that is electrically connected to the first electric wire and is drawn out from the opening, a second shield tube that covers the second electric wire and has an end portion inserted into the opening, and an engaging member that is provided on the first electric wire and configured to engage with the end portion of the second shield tube inserted from the opening.