Circuit Substrate Connecting Structure for Electric Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connecting structures for electric cables in electric apparatuses are costly and do not allow for flexible cable length adjustment, as they require dedicated connectors and cannot connect cables outside the casing to the apparatus unit inside.

Innovation Solution

A connecting structure that uses a non-moving connecting member with a circuit substrate and attachment to the casing wall, allowing direct connection of electric cables to the apparatus unit via a circuit substrate with a connection circuit pattern, reducing the number of parts and utilizing existing components to lower costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector is used to detachably connect electric cables to the electric apparatus, then the connection can be made outside the casing, but the overall costs increase due to the need for a dedicated connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connector function with the casing wall by integrating a connecting member directly into the wall portion. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated connector, reducing component count while maintaining the ability to connect electric cables outside the casing to the electric apparatus unit inside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The casing wall is given multiple functions: it serves as both the structural enclosure and as the mounting structure for electrical connection. The connecting member integrated into the wall portion allows the wall to function as both a protective barrier and an electrical interface, eliminating the need for separate connector components.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a connector is used to connect electric cables, then electrical connection outside the casing is enabled, but the number of parts increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connector functionality is merged with the casing structure itself. The connecting member is integrated into the wall portion, combining the casing and connector into a single unified structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining cable connection capability outside the casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall portion is designed to serve multiple purposes: structural enclosure and electrical connection interface. By integrating the connecting member into the wall, the system achieves adaptability for external cable connection without increasing the quantity of separate components.

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

3Reliability

If the connecting member does not move with respect to the casing, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but the cable length flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcable length adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves dynamic flexibility not through movement of the connecting member, but through the electric cable itself which can be of variable lengths. The fixed connecting member provides secure electrical connection, while the cable's inherent flexibility and available length variations allow adaptation to different installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electric cable acts as an intermediary between the fixed connecting member and the external environment. The connecting member remains stationary relative to the casing to ensure secure connection, while the cable provides the necessary flexibility and length adjustment capability, mediating between the fixed interface and variable installation needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2362500B1Connecting structure for electric cables and electric apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 SANYO DENKI CO LTD
  • EP2362500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2362500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2362500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A circuit substrate for connection is used as a connecting member for electrically connecting a stator disposed inside a casing and a plurality of electric cables disposed outside the casing. A circuit substrate for connection is supported by a connecting member attachment. The connecting member attachment is molded using a circuit substrate for connection and a receptacle as inserts. Then, the circuit substrate for connection is disposed to pass through a wall portion of the casing in a thickness direction of the wall portion. The connecting member attachment is fixed onto the casing. Thus, the electric cables may be connected to the outside of the casing with a low-priced connecting structure.