Electronic Control Device Liquid Bypass for Waterproof Adhesive Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic control devices, particularly those exposed to moisture, gaps between the base and cover can form at corners due to the obtuse or curved shape of the groove, leading to water accumulation and potential corrosion, which compromises the waterproof performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a liquid bypass above recesses or gaps where the waterproof adhesive does not protrude, redirecting water droplets to areas where the adhesive is present, thereby preventing accumulation and corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the groove is formed in an obtuse or curved shape at corners to uniformly fill waterproof adhesive, then the adhesive filling uniformity is improved, but the adhesive protrusion amount at corners is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive filling uniformityVSAvoidwaterproof performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different groove shapes at different locations: acute-angled grooves at corners for maximum adhesive protrusion and curved grooves at other portions for uniform filling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region's groove shape for its specific functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The groove is segmented into different portions with different shapes: corner portions with acute angles and other portions with curved shapes. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its optimal function - corners prioritize protrusion while other areas prioritize uniform filling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If fastening portions are provided outside the groove at corners to secure the circuit board, then the structural stability is improved, but the waterproof performance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidwaterproof performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the groove and fastening portion into an integrated structure where the fastening portion protrudes from the groove. This combination allows both functions - the groove provides waterproof adhesive sealing while the fastening portion provides structural securing, eliminating the need to choose between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening portion is nested within the groove structure, with the groove providing the outer boundary and the fastening portion extending from it. This nested arrangement allows the fasterening portion to be supported by the groove structure while maintaining its fastening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If the distance from the groove to the outer peripheral wall is increased at corners, then the adhesive filling capacity is improved, but the adhesive protrusion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive filling capacityVSAvoidgap elimination
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove shape is locally optimized at corners with acute angles that direct adhesive flow toward the outer peripheral wall, ensuring maximum protrusion despite the increased distance. Other portions use curved grooves for uniform filling, making each region's geometry serve its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces salt accumulation and maintains the waterproof performance of the electronic control device by redirecting water droplets away from gaps, minimizing corrosion and ensuring reliable sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof adhesive applied between any two of the base member, the cover, and the connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

water droplets attached to the cover run along the surface of the cover and fall onto the base due to gravity, wind pressure, vibration, or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20240224441A1Electronic Control Device
Publication Date: 2024.07.04 ASTEMO LTD
  • US20240224441A1 patent drawing
  • US20240224441A1 patent drawing
  • US20240224441A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic control device includes: a base member (4) that holds a board (2); a cover (5) that covers the board (2); a connector (3) that electrically connects the board (2) and the outside; a waterproof adhesive applied between any two of the base member (4), the cover (5), and the connector (3); and a liquid bypass (8) provided above a recess (60) that is a portion where the amount of protrusion of the waterproof adhesive to the outside is relatively small or above a waterproof adhesive located above a protrusion (44) of the waterproof adhesive protruding from the base member (4).