Vehicle ECU Connector Support Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic control apparatuses for vehicles face issues with damage and instability due to the use of adhesives and screws, which complicate assembly, increase costs, and risk moisture ingress and short-circuits from external impacts.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus uses integral support portions on the cover and base to securely hold the connector without adhesives or screws, dispersing stress and preventing damage, while simplifying assembly and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesives or screws are used to secure the connector, then the connector is fixed in place, but the assembly process becomes complicated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector support structure is merged with the housing body, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. The housing includes integrated support portions that directly hold the connector in place, combining the housing and connector mounting functions into a single structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is extracted from the assembly process by incorporating support portions directly into the housing structure. This removes the need for separate adhesives or screws, as the housing itself provides the securing mechanism through its integrated support features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If adhesives or screws are used to secure the connector, then the connector is fixed, but material costs and process costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector support structure is merged with the housing body, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. The housing includes integrated support portions that directly hold the connector in place, combining the housing and connector mounting functions into a single structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is extracted from the assembly process by incorporating support portions directly into the housing structure. This removes the need for separate adhesives or screws, as the housing itself provides the securing mechanism through its integrated support features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If the housing is damaged by external impact, then structural integrity is compromised, but moisture ingress and short-circuits may occur from connector exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing structural integrityVSAvoidmoisture ingress and short-circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is positioned within the housing structure and supported by integrated support portions that protect it from direct exposure to external impacts. The housing structure itself serves as the protective barrier, cushioning the connector from harmful external factors before they can cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective housing structure and connector support function are merged into a single integrated design. The housing provides both structural protection and connector mounting, ensuring the connector remains protected from moisture and external impacts while being securely held in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9755383B2Electronic control apparatus for vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 HYUNDAI KEFICO CORP

AI summary

The present specification relates to an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle, and the electronic control apparatus for a vehicle according to the present specification includes: an electronic control board which electrically controls respective parts in the vehicle; a connector which is electrically connected with the electronic control board; and a housing which is provided with a cover and a base in order to accommodate the electronic control board, in which the cover includes an upper support portion which supports an upper portion of the connector, and the base includes a lower support portion which supports a lower portion of the connector.