Electronic Control Unit Retainer for Waterproof Connector Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units face insufficient water resistance when installed in vehicles, particularly at positions where the casing may be submerged, due to water ingress through the interface between the casing and connector terminals, and current sealing methods like using O-rings or liquid seal agents are complicated and unstable.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit design that incorporates a retainer portion within the casing to hold a silicone seal agent, which is applied in a liquid-tight manner around the connector terminals, eliminating the need for complex solidification and ensuring a stable waterproof layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid seal agent is applied to the basal end of the connector terminal to waterproof the interface, then water resistance is improved, but the sealing procedure becomes extremely complicated and stable waterproofing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer portion acts as an intermediary structure that simplifies the sealing process. Instead of directly applying liquid seal agent to the connector terminal baseline (which is complicated), the seal agent is applied to the retainer portion's baseline, which provides a stable, accessible surface for sealing. The retainer portion mediates between the connector terminal and the seal agent, making the waterproofing process simpler and more reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector terminal extends through the side wall of the casing to enable external connection, then electrical connectivity is improved, but water ingress through the interface between the casing and connector terminal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two parts: the retainer portion baseline and the connector terminal baseline. By sealing the retainer portion's baseline (which is accessible from inside the casing), we create a waterproof barrier that prevents water from reaching the connector terminal interface. This segmentation allows us to maintain electrical connectivity through the connector terminal while preventing water ingress through a separate sealing mechanism.
3Reliability
If the casing is sealed using a seal member such as an O-ring to block the opening, then the gap between casing body and lid is sealed, but the portion where the connector terminal is installed cannot be sealed
Solution Approach 1:
Different sealing methods are applied to different locations: an O-ring seal member is used for the main casing opening (gap between body and lid), while a liquid seal agent applied to the retainer portion baseline is used for the connector terminal interface. This local differentiation of sealing approaches allows both the main opening and the connector terminal area to be effectively sealed with appropriate methods for each location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances water resistance without complicated procedures, providing a reliable and simplified method to prevent water ingress, thus improving the unit's performance in wet environments.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid seal agent is solidified in a raised form using surface tension produced by the seal agent
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit includes an electronic circuit substrate and a casing that accommodates the electronic circuit substrate. A plurality of electronic components are mounted on the electronic circuit substrate. A plurality of connector terminals extend through a side wall of the casing for electrically connecting the electronic circuit substrate to external wires. A retainer portion capable of retaining liquid seal agent is arranged at an inner side of the wall through which the connector terminals extend.