Electric Connection Box Cover Structure for Waterproofing and Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connection boxes for vehicles face challenges in preventing water entry from both the joint portion and along connected cables, while also requiring improved vibration resistance to withstand vehicle vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A cover structure for the electric connection box, featuring a base molded from insulating material as a unitary body with a bottomed tube and drainage hole, and a locking rod that covers the drainage hole to prevent water entry and reduce rattling, enhancing both waterproofness and vibration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drainage hole is formed in the base to allow water discharge, then waterproofness is improved by preventing water accumulation, but water may enter through the drainage hole from the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage hole structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the through-hole for water discharge, the stepped portion creating a barrier, and the groove for additional water trapping. This segmentation allows the single drainage hole to simultaneously drain water while preventing water entry from the opposite direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is formed preliminarily around the drainage hole opening on the outer surface of the bottom plate, creating a water trap before water can enter through the drainage hole. This preliminary structural feature prevents water entry by capturing water at the entrance point.
2Ease of operation
If the base and housing are assembled with clearance for cable insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but vibration resistance deteriorates due to rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member, made of elastic material, acts as a flexible element that fills the clearance between the base and housing. It maintains the vibration-resistant fit while allowing cable insertion through its elastic deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member serves as an intermediary element between the base and housing, filling the clearance space. It mediates between the need for tight fit (vibration resistance) and the need for clearance (cable insertion), providing both functions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a sealing member is added to prevent water entry and improve vibration resistance, then waterproofness and vibration resistance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is merged with the base structure through integral formation, where the sealing member is formed as an integral part of the base. This combining approach provides the sealing function without requiring a completely separate component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the clearance between base and housing for waterproofness, dampens vibrations for vibration resistance, and allows cable insertion through elastic deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover structure that includes a base that is attached to a circuit substrate of an electric connection box on which an electrical component is mounted, the base being used as a receptacle for a cable that is to be electrically connected to the electrical component; and a housing that houses the circuit substrate.