Electronic Control Device Connector Layout for Case Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-functional electronic control devices in engine rooms face challenges with increased size and connector count, leading to decreased strength, deformation, and heat dissipation issues, particularly due to the alignment of connector openings and the resulting deformation that affects sealing and heat conduction.
Innovation Solution
The design includes at least three connectors with openings distributed across a plane, where a third opening is positioned farthest from the center, dispersing deformation and improving hot water flow during molding, while suppressing case deformation and enhancing heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of connectors penetrating through the case is increased to three or more, then the functionality and connectivity are improved, but the strength of the case decreases and deformation amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the third opening farthest from the center of the plane, rather than distributing openings symmetrically. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the structural integrity of the case by minimizing the overlap region in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing deformation while maintaining the required functionality with three or more connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the case is increased to accommodate more components, then the functionality is improved, but the weight increases contrary to fuel economy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the openings, specifically placing the third opening farthest from the center, to optimize the structural efficiency of the case. This parameter optimization allows the case to maintain required functionality with larger component accommodation while minimizing weight through improved structural design rather than simply increasing size.
3Ease of manufacture
If openings are aligned at the outer end surface, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the deformation amount of the case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying asymmetry to the opening positions. Instead of aligning all openings at the outer end surface (which simplifies manufacturing but increases deformation), the third opening is positioned farthest from the center, creating an asymmetric pattern that reduces deformation while still being manufacturable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminal poles of the connector is increased, then the functionality is improved, but the connector size increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connectivity function into multiple separate connectors (three or more) rather than using one large connector. This segmentation allows the use of standard-sized connectors with appropriate terminal pole counts, reducing the need for expensive custom-order large connectors while maintaining the required total connectivity functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control device comprises at least three connectors, a case, and a board. The case has at least three openings through which the connectors are inserted, the connectors are provided on a plane. The board is housed inside the case and to the connectors are electrically connected thereto. The at least three openings includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The third opening is disposed between the first opening and the second opening. The case includes the first, second, and third openings, and a heat dissipation fin or a rib provided between the first opening and the second opening.