Connector Antenna Carrier Assembly for Precise ECU Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wireless communication elements in existing connectors for electronic control devices is complex and prone to mechanical stress during injection molding, affecting the precision and robustness of the components.
Innovation Solution
Integrating antenna elements and electronics onto a common, rigid circuit carrier that can be easily and precisely inserted into the injection molding tool, with press-fit or solder connections to the circuit board, and optionally including a shielding element for electromagnetic protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate wireless communication elements (antenna elements and IC) are assembled into the injection mold, then the connector can achieve wireless communication functionality, but the assembly process becomes complex and the components are subjected to mechanical stress during injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna elements and antenna electronics into a single integrated circuit carrier assembly. The antenna elements are directly mounted on the circuit carrier along with the antenna electronics, forming a pre-assembled unit that is inserted into the injection mold as one component rather than multiple separate elements, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining wireless communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication elements (antenna elements and electronics) are pre-assembled on the circuit carrier before injection molding. This preliminary assembly allows the components to be positioned and secured in advance, reducing the complexity of the injection mold assembly process and minimizing mechanical stress on the components during injection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate wireless communication elements are assembled into the injection mold, then the connector achieves wireless functionality, but the position precision and mechanical robustness of the components are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the antenna elements and electronics into a single integrated assembly on the circuit carrier, the patent ensures that all components are positioned relative to each other with high precision during the preliminary assembly phase. The circuit carrier itself serves as a rigid positioning structure that maintains the precise spatial relationships between antenna elements and electronics throughout the injection molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit carrier acts as an intermediary structure that provides a rigid, pre-defined positioning framework for the antenna elements and electronics. This intermediary component ensures that the antenna elements are held in their precise intended positions during injection molding, while also providing mechanical support and protection to the sensitive electronic components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional wire connections are used to connect antenna electronics to circuit components, then wireless communication is enabled, but the mechanical stress on connections during injection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna electronics directly onto the circuit carrier using standard electronic mounting techniques (such as surface-mount technology), eliminating the need for additional wire connections during the connector assembly process. This integration reduces the number of connection points subjected to mechanical stress during injection molding, thereby improving the overall mechanical robustness of the wireless communication assembly.
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 design simplifies the assembly process, ensures high precision and mechanical robustness of the components, and effectively shields against electromagnetic interference while maintaining optimal antenna properties.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shielding element, designed as a separate component from the second circuit carrier, is provided for shielding electromagnetic radiation from an antenna element acting as a transmitting antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (10) for an electronic control unit (100), comprising a terminal body (12) designed as an injection-molded part and made of plastic for contacting a mating connector that can be contacted with the control unit (100), wherein the terminal body (12) has a collar-shaped connecting section (14, 15) for the mating connector, wherein the connecting section (14, 15) surrounds first connector pins (21) that can be contacted with a first circuit carrier (104) of the control unit (100) forming an electronic circuit, and with at least one antenna element (30; 35, 36; 44 to 46) that interacts with an antenna electronics (28) and can be connected to the electronic circuit of the first circuit carrier (104).