Function Adding Device Waterproof Housing Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machines, such as those described in JP2023-003238 A, require special processing to improve waterproof properties, which is costly and not economically viable.

Innovation Solution

A function adding device is provided that includes a housing with a top surface, side portions, and a bottom surface with a hole portion, a control circuit inside the housing to perform functions for the work machine, and wiring connecting the work machine and the control circuit via the hole portion, thereby improving waterproof properties economically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If special processing is applied to improve waterproof property, then waterproof property is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof propertyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple portions (top surface portion, side portions, bottom surface portion) with the hole portion formed in a specific portion. This segmentation allows the waterproof structure to be simplified by localizing the hole formation to a specific area rather than requiring special processing across the entire housing, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hole portion is formed in the bottom surface portion of the housing, utilizing the vertical dimension to route wiring through the housing thickness rather than requiring complex sealing structures in horizontal planes. This dimensional approach simplifies the waterproof design by allowing the hole to be sealed from above while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If hole portion is formed in housing to connect wiring, then wiring connectivity is achieved, but waterproof property deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring connectivityVSAvoidwaterproof property
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hole portion is locally formed only in the bottom surface portion of the housing where wiring connection is required, rather than distributing holes throughout the housing. This localized approach minimizes the impact on waterproofing by concentrating the penetration point in a specific area that can be effectively sealed from the interior, thus maintaining overall waterproof integrity while enabling wiring connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure itself acts as an intermediary element that manages the conflict between wiring connectivity and waterproofing. By forming the hole portion in a specific location (bottom surface portion) and designing the housing geometry to accommodate this localized opening, the housing mediates between the need for wiring access and the need to maintain waterproof sealing, eliminating the need for additional special processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4537650A1Function adding device and work machine
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 YAMABIKO CORP
  • EP4537650A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4537650A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4537650A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a function adding device is provided that adds a function to a work machine used outdoors. The function addition device comprises a housing, a control circuit, and a wiring. The housing includes a top surface portion, side portions, and a bottom surface portion in which a hole portion is formed. The control circuit is placed inside the housing and is configured to perform the function for the work machine. The wiring connects the work machine and the control circuit via the hole portion.