Electronic Controller With Connector Retaining Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic controllers require custom-shaped cases and connectors, limiting the use of general-purpose connectors and increasing production costs due to the need for specific designs to accommodate different connector shapes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic controller design that incorporates a connector retaining member between the connector and the case's inner wall, allowing the use of a general-purpose connector and reducing case production costs by using a standardized case shape, with the connector retaining member adapted to fit various connector shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the case is designed to accommodate specific connector shapes, then the connector can be securely housed, but the case must be customized for each connector type, increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a main body portion and a separate connector retaining member. The connector retaining member is a detachable component that can be attached to the case body, allowing the case to accommodate different connector shapes without requiring custom case designs for each connector type. This segmentation enables standardization of the case body while providing customization through interchangeable retaining members.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector retaining member acts as an intermediary component between the case body and the connector. It provides the shape-specific adaptation needed for secure connector housing, while the standardized case body remains unchanged. This intermediary element resolves the contradiction by decoupling the connector-specific design requirements from the case body design.
2Ease of manufacture
If general-purpose connectors are used, then production costs can be reduced, but the case must accommodate various connector shapes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the case into a standardized body and interchangeable retaining members, the system can use general-purpose connectors with different shapes while maintaining a simple, standardized case body design. The complexity is isolated to the retaining members, which are separate, replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized case body is designed to be universal and can accommodate multiple types of connectors through different retaining members. This multi-functionality allows a single case design to work with various connector shapes, reducing overall device complexity and production costs.
3Reliability
If custom case designs are created for each connector type, then each connector can be properly housed, but production volume effects cannot be achieved, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the case into a standardized body and interchangeable retaining members enables mass production of the case body at high volume, achieving production volume effects. The retaining members can also be produced in batches for different connector types, improving overall production efficiency compared to creating entirely custom cases for each connector.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the overall case design parameters for each connector type, only the retaining member parameters are changed. This allows the majority of the case structure to be produced using the same parameters and processes, maximizing production efficiency and volume effects.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electronic controller, which allows the use of a general-purpose connector, and does not require setting of a case for housing an electronic circuit board therein for respective connectors each having a different shape so as to enable a reduction in cost. An electronic controller (1) includes: an electronic circuit board (2) onto which an electronic component (16) is mounted; a connector (3) provided at an end of the electronic circuit board (2); a case (6) housing the electronic circuit board (2) therein and including an opening portion (6a) on a side of the connector (3); and a connector retaining member (4) provided between the connector (3) and an inner wall surface of the opening portion (6a) so as to be held in close contact with the inner wall surface and to surround the connector (3).