Electronic Control Unit Positioning Pin and Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units for vehicles face challenges in simplifying the structure for positioning electrical connection modules and circuit boards, and in facilitating easy connection of multiple connectors to vehicle components, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The electronic control unit incorporates a housing with strategically positioned positioning pins and holes that allow for simplified alignment and attachment of the electrical connection module and circuit board, enabling easy connection of power and signal connectors through a reduced number of positioning holes and a single-direction access configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning holes and complex positioning structures are used to precisely position the electrical connection module and circuit board, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single integrated positioning pin structure. The positioning pin simultaneously provides lateral positioning, axial positioning, and rotational positioning functions that would traditionally require multiple separate holes and features, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning pin is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple positioning tasks (lateral, axial, and rotational alignment) in a single feature, eliminating the need for multiple specialized positioning holes and reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If multiple connectors are provided for power and signal connections, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in connecting multiple connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection functions (power connection and signal connection) into a single integrated connector assembly. This allows multiple electrical connections to be established simultaneously through one insertion action, maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is pre-configured with all necessary electrical connections (power and signal pathways) internally arranged and prepared before installation. This preliminary arrangement of conductors and contacts allows the entire multi-connection system to be installed in a single action without requiring sequential connection of multiple separate connectors
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic control unit includes a first circuit board and an electrical connection module disposed on a base of a body housing, a first connector group electrically connected to the electrical connection module, and a second connector group disposed on a wall of the body housing. The first connector group and the second connector group are arranged in a first direction along the wall. The base, the electrical connection module, and the first circuit board have respective positioning holes for positioning relative to each other. A positioning pin is insertable into openings of the second positioning hole and the first positioning hole, and another positioning pin is insertable into openings of the third positioning hole and the first positioning hole.