Electric Compressor Inverter Connector Sealing Under Cable Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric compressors face airtight performance issues within the inverter connector, which deteriorate when external forces are applied, particularly during assembly and maintenance, leading to potential foreign matter intrusion and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The electric compressor design includes a flexible cable with an inverter connector featuring a cover, outer sealing member, and inner sealing member, with a restriction portion and fitting portion to maintain airtight performance, even under external force application, using a cap with restriction holes and a rubber grommet to securely position and seal the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is made flexible to facilitate assembly and maintenance operations, then ease of operation is improved, but the grommet may be deformed by external forces causing airtight performance to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter connector is divided into multiple components: a junction box, a cover, and a grommet. This segmentation allows the grommet to be specifically designed as a separate sealing element that can be optimized for airtightness while the overall connector structure accommodates flexible cable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet acts as an intermediary element between the rigid junction box and the flexible cable. It provides the necessary sealing function while accommodating cable movement and external forces, preventing direct transmission of mechanical stress to the sealing interface.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is made flexible to allow movement during operations, then ease of operation is improved, but foreign matters can intrude into the inverter when airtight performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet serves as a protective intermediary that maintains the airtight barrier even when the cable moves or is subjected to external forces. It prevents foreign matters from entering through the cable passage while allowing the cable to remain flexible for operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is designed as a flexible sealing member that can deform to accommodate cable movement while maintaining its sealing function. This flexibility allows the cable to move during assembly and maintenance without compromising the airtight seal that prevents foreign matter intrusion.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is subjected to external forces during assembly and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but bend deformation occurs at the cable position around the grommet
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is pre-installed in the junction box to provide cushioning and protection for the cable before external forces are applied during assembly and maintenance operations. This beforehand protection prevents bend deformation and structural damage to the cable by absorbing and distributing mechanical stresses.
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
This configuration ensures high airtight performance and durability by restricting cable movement and preventing foreign matter ingress, even when external forces are applied, thus maintaining the compressor's operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The grommet seals a gap between the cover and the cable
Implementation Method 2
The outer sealing member is interposed between the opening and the cover
Implementation Method 3
The restriction portion restricts a movement of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
An electric compressor includes an inverter, a housing with an opening, an inverter connector, a power connector, and a cable that electrically connects both connectors. The housing accommodates the inverter. The inverter connector includes a cover, an outer sealing member, and an inner sealing member. The cover includes an insertion hole through which the cable is inserted, and is disposed in the opening so as to position the cable in the opening. The outer sealing member is interposed between the opening and the cover. The inner sealing member is interposed between the insertion hole and the cable. The insertion hole includes a restriction portion that restricts a movement of the cable, and a fitting portion that is located closer to the inverter than the restriction portion and in which the inner sealing member is fitted. The insertion hole is narrower at the restriction portion than at the fitting portion.