Connector Block Venting and Sealing for Waterproof ECU Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in connector size due to space constraints in electronic control devices mounted on vehicles complicates the formation of ventilation holes necessary for pressure equalization, compromising waterproof performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device with a connector block featuring a ventilation hole outside the connector formation area, sealed by a curing liquid gasket, and an inclined portion to guide the gasket application, ensuring communication between inner and outer spaces while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to accommodate space constraints in the electronic control device, then the space utilization is improved, but it becomes difficult to form a ventilation hole inside the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation hole is extracted from the connector body and relocated to the connector block. This separation allows the connector to maintain its reduced size while the ventilation function is preserved in the connector block, resolving the contradiction between compact connector dimensions and ventilation hole formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector block serves as an intermediary structure that provides the ventilation hole function. Instead of requiring the connector itself to have a ventilation hole, the connector block acts as a mediator that enables pressure equalization between the inner and outer spaces of the cover, allowing the connector to remain compact
2Stress or pressure
If a ventilation hole is formed to communicate inner and outer spaces for pressure equalization, then pressure fluctuation is reduced, but liquid gasket may flow out during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation hole is pre-formed in the connector block before the liquid gasket is applied to the circumferential grooves. This preliminary action ensures that pressure equalization is already in place during the assembly process, preventing pressure-induced gasket leakage while maintaining the pathway for pressure communication
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation hole acts as an intermediary pathway that allows gradual pressure equalization. By providing this controlled communication channel between inner and outer spaces, the system can manage pressure fluctuations without creating the high pressure differential that would cause liquid gasket leakage
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
The solution enables waterproof performance and size reduction of connectors, preventing gasket leakage and damage from high-pressure water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing material which has properties of being in a fluid state in an initial state and being cured over time or by a curing treatment to seal the ventilation hole
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control device comprises a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, a connector block integrated with a connector that is electrically connected to the circuit board, a base to which the circuit board is fixed, and a cover that can be fitted to circumferential grooves that are formed in the base and the connector block respectively so that a connecting portion of the connector protrudes to the outside while accommodating the circuit board that is fixed to the base. Furthermore, a ventilation hole is formed in a section of the connector block excluding a formation position of the connector so as to communicate an inner space with an outer space of the cover, and a sealing material that seals the ventilation hole is further provided.