Cranked Terminal Electrical Connection Box for Compact Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connection boxes face challenges in downsizing due to the placement of drain channels, which restrict the arrangement of electronic components and terminals, and limit efficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes a terminal holder with a cranked terminal design, allowing for efficient arrangement of electronic components between the terminal's bent portions, and strategically positioned drain channels to prevent water pooling and facilitate early drainage, enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drain channels are formed along the surface of the board, then water drainage function is achieved, but the region where electronic components can be arranged is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drain channel is configured to extend in the thickness direction of the board rather than along the surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide drainage functionality without occupying horizontal arrangement space for electronic components
2Ease of operation
If the terminal is positioned in an end portion of the board for workability, then engagement with connector is facilitated, but efficient arrangement of electronic components and terminals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is designed with a bent shape that provides flexibility in positioning, allowing the terminal body to be arranged efficiently in the center region while the engagement portion can still connect to connectors at appropriate locations, thus balancing arrangement efficiency with engagement workability
3Volume of stationary object
If electronic components are arranged densely on the board, then downsizing of the electrical connection box is achieved, but water drainage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drain channel extends in the thickness direction of the board, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide effective water drainage pathways that do not interfere with the horizontal density of electronic component arrangement, thus enabling downsizing while maintaining drainage reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrical connection box that achieves downsizing by means of efficient arrangement of electronic components and terminals on a board. An electrical connection box (1) includes a board (21), a terminal holder (22), flat-plate terminals (23), and electronic components (24). The terminal holder (22) is mounted to the board (21). The flat-plate terminal (23) includes a first portion (41), a second portion (42), and a third portion (43). The first portion (41) is connected to the board (21), and extends substantially perpendicularly from the board (21). The second portion (42) is connected to the first portion (41), and extends substantially in parallel with the board (21). The third portion (43) is connected to the second portion (42), is connectable to a connector, and extends substantially perpendicularly to the board (21). The electronic component (24) is arranged between the second portion (42) of the flat-plate terminal (23) and the board (21).