Electrical Connection Box Waterproof Member for Splash Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection boxes in vehicle cabins require a cost-effective and simple waterproofing solution, as they do not need to withstand high water pressure but still need protection from splashes and spills.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection box design featuring a connector-attached board with a separate waterproof member attached to the circuit board, a case that houses the board, and a waterproof portion covering the connector's periphery, including an upper and side wall configuration that prevents water entry while allowing easy engagement of mating connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated waterproof connector is developed, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing function is segmented from the connector and implemented by a separate waterproof member (40). This member includes a waterproof portion (41) with waterproof walls (44) that cover the connector's engagement surface, creating a waterproof barrier without modifying the connector structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof member (40) is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector (30) and the external environment. This member includes a waterproof portion (41) that covers the connector's engagement surface, providing waterproofing without requiring the connector itself to be waterproof.
2Reliability
If a waterproof member is added, then waterproofing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member (40) serves multiple functions: it provides waterproofing protection through its waterproof portion (41), supports the connector (30) via the waterproof lower wall (44B), and prevents tilting through the tilt prevention wall (47). This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the waterproof member (40): waterproofing (via waterproof walls 44), support (via waterproof lower wall 44B), and tilt prevention (via tilt prevention wall 47). This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If waterproof walls cover the entire connector, then waterproofing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member (40) provides localized waterproofing coverage rather than complete enclosure. The waterproof walls (44) cover the engagement surface periphery, while the non-covered portion (45) below the connector remains open to facilitate finger engagement, achieving local quality optimization.
4Reliability
If the waterproof member is made larger, then waterproofing coverage is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member (40) provides partial waterproofing coverage rather than complete enclosure. The waterproof walls (44) extend sufficiently to cover the engagement surface periphery and prevent water entry, while the non-covered portion (45) below the connector is intentionally left open, achieving adequate protection with minimal material.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection box is provided with a connector-attached board and a shield case that internally houses the connector-attached board. The connector-attached board is provided with a circuit board, a connector that is fixed to the circuit board and that engages with a mating connector, and an attachment that is attached to the connector. The shield case surrounds the circuit board and is provided with an upper short wall portion and a lower short wall portion that include a connector opening for facing the connector outside. The attachment is provided with a waterproof portion that covers the periphery of an engagement surface of the connector that faces the mating connector, and the waterproof portion is provided with a waterproof wall that covers the periphery of the connector and the mating connector.