Elastomer Sealing Member for Motor Connectors in Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air blowing devices in motor vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems face challenges in preventing dampness ingress into the electronic control board due to the deformation and cutting nature of metal connectors, which compromise the sealing effectiveness and increase the risk of damage to sealing members.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastomer-based sealing member that clamps and grips the connectors, combined with sealing elements between the support and heatsink, effectively prevents moisture ingress by compressing between the sockets and heatsink, ensuring a secure seal without damaging the sealing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal connectors are used to provide electrical connection between motor and control board, then electrical connection is established, but the connectors deform and cut the sealing member causing dampness ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member made of elastomeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal connectors and the control board. This sealing member receives the connectors while preventing them from cutting through to the control board, thus mediating between the electrical connection requirement and the sealing requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is positioned beforehand in the passage through the support structure to cushion and absorb the cutting action of the metal connectors before they can reach and damage the control board. This preparatory protective measure prevents harmful effects before they occur
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing member is placed between motor and support to prevent dampness, then protection is provided, but the sealing member is damaged by the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is made from an elastomeric material with specific mechanical properties (flexibility, tensile strength, elongation) that allow it to accommodate the connectors without being cut. The material parameters are selected to balance sealing effectiveness with resistance to connector-induced damage
3Reliability
If connectors are made extensive to ensure electrical connection, then connection reliability improves, but connectors become flexible and deform causing sealing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary that accommodates the deformation of extensive connectors. It provides a compliant interface that allows the connectors to be flexible enough for reliable connection while preventing the deformation from damaging the sealing structure
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 solution provides a reliable and cost-effective means to prevent dampness from reaching the control board, maintaining its integrity while simplifying the sealing mechanism and reducing the risk of damage, thus ensuring the air blowing device's compactness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing member comprises an elastomeric material and is able to grip the connectors passing through it
Implementation Method 2
sealing elements between the support and heatsink, effectively prevents moisture ingress by compressing between the sockets and heatsink
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an air pulse device (1) suitable for equipping a ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The air pulse device (1) comprises a carrier (4) on which an electric motor (2) equipped with connectors (6) and a control board (5) equipped with contact switches (7) are mounted. A sealing member (13) has openings (14) whereby said sealing member (13) individually grips the end portion (8) of the connectors (6) prior to the engagement thereof with the contact switches (7). The sealing member (13) has sealing elements (42) inserted between the carrier (4) and the heat sink (11), extending in a transverse direction towards the outside of the channels (12).