Connector Shell and Annular Recess Sealing Against Oil Mist
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric connecting part between an electronic control unit and a connector can be contaminated by oil mist or electroconductive substances, leading to impairment of electric conductance. Existing seal solutions, such as rubber seal members, deteriorate over time and may not provide adequate sealing, especially when temperature differences cause pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A connector connection structure that includes an internal connector and an electronic control unit with a conductive connection portion surrounded by an outer shell member. The internal connector has a housing with an annular recess that receives the lower end of the outer shell member, creating a seal when liquid is placed in the recess, preventing foreign matter from entering the conductive connection area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber seal member is used to seal the electric connecting part, then sealing performance is improved, but the seal member deteriorates over time and may not provide adequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the seal member from the sealing system and replaces it with a liquid sealant applied to the mating surfaces of the housing and cover. This eliminates the deteriorating rubber seal member while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the liquid sealant that fills gaps and prevents contaminant ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the sealing medium from solid (rubber seal member) to liquid (sealant). The liquid sealant can flow into and fill irregularities in the mating surfaces, providing reliable sealing without the deterioration issues associated with rubber materials over time.
2Reliability
If an expensive rubber material is used to achieve both oil resistance and heat resistance, then sealing performance in harsh environments is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a cost-effective liquid sealant instead of expensive specialized rubber materials. The sealant can be applied directly to the mating surfaces using simple application methods, significantly reducing material costs while maintaining adequate sealing performance in oil and heat environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes from using expensive solid rubber materials with specific oil and heat resistance properties to a liquid sealant formulation that provides equivalent protection. The liquid state allows better penetration and adhesion to surfaces, achieving reliable sealing without the high material costs.
3Device complexity
If only a seal member is used for sealing, then the structure is simple, but sealing performance is inadequate when temperature differences cause pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sealing medium from solid to liquid, allowing the sealant to dynamically respond to pressure differentials caused by temperature changes. The liquid sealant can flow and adjust to maintain sealing effectiveness under varying pressure conditions, overcoming the limitations of rigid seal members.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid sealant acts as an intermediary substance between the housing and cover mating surfaces. It fills gaps and accommodates dimensional changes due to thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining sealing effectiveness under pressure differentials that would cause rigid seal members to fail.
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 solution effectively prevents electric conductance impairment by sealing the conductive connection area from oil mist and electroconductive substances, even in environments where these contaminants are present, while also reducing the force required for connecting and disconnecting the electronic control unit and internal connector.
Implementation Method 1
by placing liquid in the annular recess (62), a seal is provided for the conductive connection portion between the electronic control unit (50) and the internal connector (20)
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent electric conductance impairment of an electric connecting part between an electronic control unit and an internal connector in a reliable manner even when the electric connecting part between the electronic control unit and the internal connector is placed in an environment where oil mist or electroconductive substances are present, the electronic control unit includes a main part, a first conductive connection portion provided at a lower end of the main part and configured to be electrically connected to the internal connector, and an outer shell member extending downward so as to surround the first conductive connection portion, and to be open only at a lower end thereof, and wherein the internal connector is provided with a housing including a part defining an annular recess opened upward on an outer periphery thereof, the lower end of the outer shell member being received in the annular recess when the electronic control unit is connected to the internal connector.