Connector Fixing Bracket With Integrated Resin Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector fixing structures in engine control units lack sufficient strength to withstand vehicle vibrations, leading to potential bracket breakage and connector dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A structure that includes a bracket and a fitting portion, where the bracket is erected on the fixing portion and locks into a lock portion of the connector, with a part of the connector fitted into the fitting portion, enhancing fixing strength and reducing force on the bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cantilevered plate-shaped bracket is used to support the connector, then the connector can be easily attached to the housing, but the bracket lacks sufficient strength and may break under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into two functional parts: a cantilevered plate-shaped bracket for easy attachment and a through lock portion for strength. The bracket inserts into the through lock portion, separating the attachment function (bracket) from the locking function (through lock portion), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and structural strength.
2Strength
If the bracket is made stronger to withstand vibration, then the connector can be supported with sufficient strength, but the bracket becomes more complex and harder to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into two functional parts: a simple cantilevered plate-shaped bracket for easy attachment and a through lock portion for strength. The bracket inserts into the through lock portion, separating the attachment function (bracket) from the locking function (through lock portion), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and structural strength.
3Strength
If a through lock portion is added to enhance connector support, then the connector can withstand vibration, but the manufacturing cost and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The through lock portion is formed integrally with the housing as a resin component, merging the housing and bracket support functions into a single molded part. This integration eliminates the need for separate metal bracket components and reduces assembly steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced strength and manufacturing cost.
4Ease of manufacture
If the bracket is formed as a simple cantilevered plate, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the connector cannot be supported with sufficient strength under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into two functional parts: a simple cantilevered plate-shaped bracket for easy attachment and a through lock portion for strength. The bracket inserts into the through lock portion, separating the attachment function (bracket) from the locking function (through lock portion), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and through lock portion are formed as an integrated resin component, combining the simplicity of resin molding with the structural functionality of a metal bracket. This composite approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required mechanical strength through the through lock portion design.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for fixing a connector to a fixing portion includes the connector and the fixing portion. The fixing portion includes a bracket and a fitting portion. The bracket is erected on the fixing portion. The connector includes a lock portion configured to, when the bracket is inserted into the lock portion by attaching the connector to the fixing portion, lock the bracket. The fitting portion is configured such that a part of the connector is fitted into the fitting portion when the connector is attached to the fixing portion. The bracket may be integrally molded with the fixing portion molded with a resin. The fitting portion may have a hole portion running along a fitting direction in which the connector is attached to the fixing portion, and a slit may be formed in the fitting portion.