Passenger Protection Control Device Sealant-Free Water Diversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger protection control devices face issues with water infiltration due to sealant cracking from temperature changes and vibrations, and limited product shapes that prevent the formation of sealing surfaces or the use of sealants, leading to potential water ingress into the case.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a rear cover with a first standing wall having an inclined surface facing outwardly to temporarily accumulate and discharge water, eliminating the need for a sealant by creating a water diversion mechanism within the case's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealant is filled into a fitting part so as to be sealed, then water infiltration is prevented, but the sealant cracks due to temperature changes and vibrations causing sealability deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater sealabilityVSAvoidsealant integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the sealant from the sealing system, replacing it with a mechanical sealing structure formed by the recessed part in the cover and the protruding flange on the rear cover. This structural approach removes the vulnerable sealant component that cracks under thermal and vibrational stress, providing a more reliable long-term seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical sealing mechanism (sealant) with a mechanical sealing structure (recessed part and protruding flange interface). This mechanical interlocking structure provides sealing through physical geometry rather than relying on the adhesive and elastic properties of sealant material, which deteriorate over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a fitting part is formed on the abutting surface, then sealing is achieved, but the limited product shape prevents fitting part formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater sealabilityVSAvoidproduct shape constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed part in the cover serves multiple functions: it provides a sealing interface for preventing water infiltration, accommodates the protruding flange for mechanical connection, and maintains compatibility with the existing product shape constraints. This multi-functional design achieves sealing without adding complex structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the abutting surface is formed as a sealing surface, then water infiltration is prevented, but the sealant cannot be used due to customer requests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater sealabilityVSAvoidcustomer requirement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the sealant from the sealing system and replaces it with a sealant-free mechanical sealing structure. This satisfies customer requirements for sealant-free applications while maintaining effective water infiltration prevention through the recessed part and protruding flange interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration effectively prevents water infiltration into the case without using a sealant, ensuring the printed circuit board remains dry and functional.

Implementation Method 1

an inclined surface having a falling gradient facing outwardly from the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3541154B1Passenger protection control device
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 VEONEER SWEDEN AB
  • EP3541154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3541154B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3541154B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention effectively prevents the infiltration of water into the interior of a case without the use of a sealant. The present invention is a passenger protection control device provided with: a printed circuit board 3; a connector 2; and a case 1 that accommodates such that, while a connection end surface 2a with a wire harness of the connector 2 is exposed, the printed circuit board 3 is isolated from the outside. The case 1 is formed by: a box shaped cover 11 in which the periphery of a ceiling wall 11c is enclosed by side walls 11a1 to 11a4 and a floor surface is opened; and a rear cover 12 that plugs the floor surface of the cover 11. The connector 2 is installed in an opening 11b provided in the side wall 11a1 of the cover 11. The rear cover 12 has a first standing wall 12b projecting so as to face a connector 2b in the portion of the cover 11 in which the connector 2 is installed. The first standing wall 12b of the rear cover 12 has a planar region 12bb in a head top part 12ba. The planar region 12bb has an inclined surface having a falling gradient facing outwardly from the cover 11.