Control Unit Hinge Mechanism for Assembly Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of control units in vehicle dashboards, particularly connecting flexible components to printed circuits, is challenging due to the complexity and fragility of the components, leading to increased time and risk of damage during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A control unit design featuring a hinge mechanism with a crossbar and arm structure that allows the case and fascia to pivot and translate, facilitating the connection of components while maintaining protection against contaminants, and a method for assembly that utilizes this mechanism to guide the components from an open to a closed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the case and fascia are assembled in a closed state, then protection against water and dust is improved, but the assembly of the connection link becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hinge mechanism that allows the case and fascia to transition between open and closed states during assembly. The hinge enables the case to pivot relative to the fascia, providing dynamic movement that facilitates the insertion and connection of the flexible tongue while maintaining the final sealed configuration for protection against water and dust.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible film and printed circuit are fixed in separate locations, then functional integration is improved, but the connection operation becomes complex and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge mechanism as an intermediary device between the case and fascia. This hinge acts as a mediator that facilitates the connection operation by providing controlled movement and positioning, thereby simplifying the complex task of connecting the flexible tongue from the fascia to the printed circuit on the case while maintaining functional integration.
3Volume of moving object
If the control unit is made smaller, then integration density is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides dynamic movement capability that compensates for the reduced working space in smaller control units. By enabling pivoting and translational motion, the hinge allows assembly operations to be performed with greater ease despite the compact size of the control unit, maintaining accessibility to connection points while preserving miniaturization benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control unit that includes a case able to receive a first device which may in particular be a printed circuit, a fascia intended to be placed against the case, the fascia being able to receive a second device which may in particular be a force sensor, a connection link connecting the first device to the second device. The control unit is in addition provided with an integrated device for assisting assembly keeping the control unit in an open state (EO), the case and the fascia being at a distance one from the other in a first position (P1) and this so as to facilitate inter alia the assembly of the connection link, the integrated device for assisting assembly then permitting placing of the control unit in a closed state (EF), the fascia and the case having been brought one towards the other and being one against the other.