Fluid Management Module PCB Layout for Selective Connector Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of electrical control systems in fluid management modules for motor vehicles are high due to the need for individually adapted circuit boards to accommodate various designs, leading to increased assembly and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management module with a control/regulating device that uses a standard circuit board with electrical connectors that can be selectively exposed to connect with function components, allowing for uniform use across different designs, reducing the need for multiple circuit board variations and associated costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If circuit boards are individually adapted to each fluid management module design, then the control/regulating device can be precisely tailored to specific applications, but the production costs and assembly effort increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal circuit board design that can be used across multiple fluid management module configurations. The standardized circuit board features a fixed connector arrangement that accommodates different function components through optional connection elements, eliminating the need for custom circuit boards for each module design while maintaining precise control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all electrical connectors are led out of the housing interior, then all function components can be connected, but the wiring complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary electrical connectors from the housing interior to the exterior, rather than leading out all connectors. This selective extraction approach allows the circuit board to maintain its standardized connector arrangement while reducing wiring complexity and production costs by eliminating unnecessary connection paths for connectors that remain internally connected.
3Reliability
If multiple circuit board designs are produced for different module configurations, then each design can be optimized for its specific application, but the development and production costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single standardized circuit board design that serves multiple application configurations through optional connection elements. This universal approach maintains control precision for specific applications by allowing selective activation of connectors and function components, while dramatically reducing development and production costs compared to manufacturing multiple specialized circuit board designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management module, e.g., for a motor vehicle, is disclosed. The fluid management module includes at least two function components and at least one electrical control/regulating device. The control/regulating device includes a circuit board with electrical connectors. The electrical connectors include a plurality of analogue signal input connectors and at least one component field bus connector, each for electrically connecting to a respective function component via a component field bus, and a vehicle field bus connector for electrically connecting to a CAN bus or LIN bus of a motor vehicle. At least the vehicle field bus connector, the component field bus connector and the analogue signal input connectors are electrically connected to a micro-controller of the control/regulating device provided on the circuit board. At least one of the at least two function components is electrically connected to at least one of the electrical connectors.