Connector Fixing Structure With Deformation Space For Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector fixing structures for electronic component units in vehicles lack effective methods to securely and efficiently attach connectors to substrates, particularly in environments with varying thermal expansion coefficients between substrates and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector fixing structure featuring a pair of notches on the substrate and press fitting plates with positioning ribs and a deformation acceptable space, allowing precise positioning and accommodating thermal expansion differences between the substrate and connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If press fitting plates are used to fix the connector to the substrate, then the connector can be securely attached, but thermal expansion differences between the substrate and connector cause stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning layer between the press fitting plate and the substrate that can deform to absorb thermal expansion stress. This cushioning structure is designed in advance to accommodate the differential thermal expansion between the substrate and connector, preventing stress concentration and potential damage while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs materials with different physical properties for the press fitting plate, cushioning layer, and substrate. The cushioning layer is specifically selected to have deformable characteristics that allow it to change shape in response to thermal expansion, thereby absorbing stress and protecting the rigid connector and substrate from thermal damage.
2Reliability
If the connector is tightly fixed to the substrate, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly workability and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fixing structure into multiple functional components: a press fitting plate for applying fixing force, a cushioning layer for stress absorption, and a substrate with positioning features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the press fitting plate ensures reliable connection, while the cushioning layer and positioning features maintain assembly workability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning layer acts as an intermediary between the press fitting plate and the substrate. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that facilitates easier assembly while ensuring reliable connection, and by absorbing thermal stress to protect the rigid components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the press fitting plates are made wide for better positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the deformation space for accommodating thermal expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the fixing structure. The press fitting plate has a sufficient width for positioning precision, while the cushioning layer provides localized deformability in specific areas to accommodate thermal expansion. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve precise positioning and thermal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the trade-off between width and deformation space by introducing a third dimension - the thickness of the cushioning layer. This allows the press fitting plate to maintain adequate width for positioning while the cushioning layer provides the necessary deformation capacity in the vertical dimension to accommodate thermal expansion.
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 structure securely fixes the connector to the substrate while allowing for thermal expansion adjustments, reducing stress and improving assembly workability by using a deformation acceptable space to absorb differences in thermal expansion coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of press fitting plates that are provided on the connector and that are press-fitted into the respective notches
Implementation Method 2
a positioning rib that is formed projecting from each of the press fitting plates in the facing direction toward inside in the facing direction... and that is brought into contact with the substrate
Implementation Method 3
a deformation acceptable space that is provided adjacent to outside of the press fitting plates that are press-fitted into the respective notches, in the facing direction
Implementation Method 4
a deformation acceptable space that is provided adjacent to outside of the press fitting plates... allowing for thermal expansion adjustments, reducing stress
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component unit of a wire harness includes a substrate on which an electronic component is mounted, a connector electrically connected to the substrate, and a connector fixing structure. The connector fixing structure includes a pair of notches that are provided facing each other on the substrate in a facing direction; a pair of press fitting plates that are provided on the connector and press-fitted into the respective notches; a positioning rib formed projecting from each of the press fitting plates toward the inside in the facing direction, having a width smaller than the width of the press fitting plates, and brought into contact with the substrate while the press fitting plates are press-fitted into the respective notches; and a deformation acceptable space provided adjacent to the outside of the press fitting plates that are press-fitted into the respective notches, in the facing direction.