Fluid-Tight Electrical Vehicle Latch Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical latch assemblies for vehicle doors face challenges in protecting electrical components from water and grease, which can cause damage and failure, often requiring these components to be located in areas not exposed to fluids, limiting their placement flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-tight electrical housing with a printed circuit board and electric motor, where the electrical connector extends through a sealed opening to connect the PCB and motor, ensuring protection from fluids and allowing placement in any vehicle door location, including exposed areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components are positioned in a location unlikely to be exposed to fluids, then protection from water and grease is improved, but placement flexibility and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into two distinct sealed compartments: a first sealed compartment housing the electric motor and mechanical latch components, and a second sealed compartment housing the electrical components (PCB and ECU). This segmentation allows each compartment to be independently sealed and positioned in fluid-prone areas without compromising the protection of sensitive electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid-tight barrier (seal) acts as an intermediary between the first and second compartments, preventing fluid contamination while allowing electrical connectors to pass through. The seal creates a protective interface that maintains the integrity of both compartments while enabling necessary electrical connections.
2Reliability
If electrical components are separated from mechanical components, then protection from fluids is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the electrical and mechanical components are separated into different sealed compartments, the invention merges them into a single integrated latch assembly housing. This combination allows both separated compartments to function together as one unified structure, reducing the need for additional external mounting and simplifying overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the overall structural framework, contains both sealed compartments, provides mounting interfaces for the vehicle door, and facilitates the integration of electrical and mechanical subsystems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements.
3Reliability
If electrical components are located in a different area from mechanical components, then protection from fluids is improved, but manufacturing and assembly simplicity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into modular steps where the first and second sealed compartments can be prepared independently with their respective components, then integrated together. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each compartment while maintaining overall assembly efficiency through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making an electrical latch assembly for a door of a vehicle. The method includes providing an electrical housing having a fluid-tight open interior and an opening. The method also includes positioning a printed circuit board in the fluid-tight open interior, wherein the printed circuit board has an electrical control unit. The method further includes connecting a latch mechanism to the electrical housing about the opening, the latch mechanism including an electric motor. The method also includes extending an electrical connector from the printed circuit board, through the opening of the latch mechanism and to the electrical motor to establish an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the electric motor.