Electric Connection Box Guide Lock Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle electric connection boxes face difficulties in assembling due to poor workability caused by water stop structures that interfere with the lock mechanism, reducing the degree of freedom in assembly when the angles of the peripheral wall opening end edges differ.
Innovation Solution
An electric connection box design featuring a fitting component with a guide lock that guides the fitting component along a shorter fitting stroke distance orthogonal to the extending directions of the first and second opening end edges, using a U-shaped peripheral wall with first and second water stop portions that cover side end edges of the fitting holding portion, allowing for easier assembly despite differing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water stop portions are provided along the opening end edges of the peripheral wall to prevent water entry, then water protection is improved, but the workability of assembling the fitting component deteriorates due to interference with the lock mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral wall is divided into multiple sections: a body portion and opening end edges. Water stop portions are selectively provided only along the opening end edges rather than the entire peripheral wall, segmenting the water protection function to where it is most needed while leaving other areas open for assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Water stop portions are locally applied only at the opening end edges of the peripheral wall where water entry is most likely to occur during assembly. This localized approach provides water protection precisely where needed without creating interference with the lock mechanism in the fitting holding portion area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angles of the peripheral wall opening end edges differ to accommodate various configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the degree of freedom in assembly deteriorates when water stop structures interfere with the lock mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral wall structure is segmented into a body portion and opening end edges, with water stop portions applied only to the edges. This segmentation allows the opening end edges to have different angles for adaptability while the body portion maintains structural integrity and assembly freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
Different angles are applied locally to the opening end edges of the peripheral wall to accommodate various configurations, while the main body of the peripheral wall maintains a consistent structure that allows free assembly. Water stop portions are also locally applied only where needed at the edges.
3Strength
If a lock mechanism is formed by guide portions and lock portions on inner walls to secure the fitting component, then holding strength is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions and lock portions are merged into the inner walls of the fitting holding portion as integral structural features rather than separate components. This combining approach provides strong holding capability through the lock mechanism while avoiding the complexity of additional separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner walls of the fitting holding portion serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, form the guide portions for alignment, and create the lock portions for securing the fitting component. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining strong holding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric connection box includes a fitting component having a peripheral wall, a housing having a fitting holding portion, a first water stop portion provided along a first opening end edge of the peripheral wall, a second water stop portion provided along a second opening end edge of the peripheral wall, and a guide lock. The guide lock guides the fitting component with respect to the fitting holding portion along an extending direction of the first opening end edge, and guides the fitting component by a fitting stroke distance along a fitting direction along the first opening end edge and the second opening end edge such that the fitting component is fitted and held. The fitting stroke distance is shorter than a length of the first water stop portion and the second water stop portion.