Flexible Mounting Arms for Electric Components in Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting arrangements for electric components in electronic control units fail to securely fix components in place, especially under heavy vibrations, leading to potential dislodgment and contact issues.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement featuring flexible arms with ribs that act as axial abutments and clasps, allowing for secure fixation of components with varying lengths, combined with mechanical coding for precise orientation and automatic assembly, and a design that integrates arms with and without ribs for enhanced stability and contact surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fingers with different lengths are used to hold components with different diameters, then adaptability to different component sizes is improved, but the component can move along the length axis and is not fixed properly under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement divides the fixation function into multiple independent arms (first arms and second arms) that can independently adapt to different component diameters. Each arm segment can flex and position itself, providing both adaptability to various sizes and stable fixation under vibration through distributed contact points along the component length.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed mounting arrangement is designed for specific component lengths, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the arrangement cannot accommodate components with varying lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed as flexible elements that can dynamically adapt their position and configuration based on the inserted component's length and diameter. This dynamic flexibility allows the same mounting arrangement to precisely position components of varying lengths while maintaining secure fixation through the flexible arms' ability to conform to each component's specific dimensions.
3Reliability
If multiple separate mounting arrangements are provided for different component lengths, then fixation stability is improved for each specific length, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement is designed as a universal structure where the same set of flexible arms and cradles can accommodate and securely fixate components of different lengths. The arms can function in multiple ways - some arms may contact the component while others remain unused, depending on the component length, allowing one mounting arrangement to replace multiple specialized arrangements.
4Reliability
If rigid arms are used to prevent component movement, then fixation stability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arms are integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the mounting arrangement with the housing itself. This integration eliminates separate assembly steps for attaching rigid arms, as the flexible arms are formed as part of the housing during manufacturing. The flexible nature of these integrated arms provides sufficient fixation stability while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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
The solution effectively prevents components from moving out of position during vibrations, ensuring stable electrical connections and reducing manufacturing costs through integrated design and assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The arms 6a,6b,13,14,7a,7b,15,16,8a,8b,4 and 5 are flexible and may have an oblique surface at their free ends... The arms 6a,6b,13,14,7a,7b,15,16,8a,8b,4 and 5 are bent outwardly while inserting the component 2 and fix the component 2 in the mounted position by clamping the component 2
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention concerns a mounting arrangement (3) for electric components (2) in a housing (1) of an electronic control unit, wherein the mounting arrangement (3) comprises at least one first pair of arms (6a,6b,7a,7b,8a,8b,13,14,15,16) for fixing the electric component (2) perpendicular to its length axis (A) and at least one second pair of arms (4,5) for fixing the component (2) in its length direction.