Housing Pressure Equalization Membrane Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures for electrical/electronic circuits in motor vehicles face challenges in protecting semipermeable membranes used for pressure equalization from mechanical damage and leakage, especially under temperature and pressure fluctuations, as they are sensitive and require mechanical protection.
Innovation Solution
The housing incorporates a protective element, such as a protective cap, positioned next to the electrical plug-in connection device with pressure equalization openings directed towards it, effectively shielding the semipermeable membrane from direct access and incorporating an inclined orientation to allow liquid and dirt to run off, ensuring protection and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure equalization element with semipermeable membrane is attached directly to the housing, then pressure equalization function is achieved, but the membrane is exposed to mechanical damage and dirt/liquid penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization element is nested within the protective element, which is integrated into the housing structure. The protective element acts as a container that houses the semipermeable membrane, providing mechanical protection while maintaining the pressure equalization function through the protective openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element serves as an intermediary between the housing and the semipermeable membrane. It provides mechanical protection and filters dirt/liquid while allowing pressure equalization through its openings, thus mediating between the need for protection and the need for pressure equalization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective element covers the membrane completely, then mechanical protection is improved, but pressure equalization function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element has different properties in different locations: it is solid and protective in most areas, but contains localized openings that allow pressure equalization. This local variation in quality (solid vs. open) resolves the contradiction between protection and function.
3Ease of operation
If the plug-in connection device is arranged on the housing, then electrical connection is achieved, but it may expose the pressure equalization element to direct access and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in connection device and the protective element are merged into a single integrated component. The connection device becomes part of the protective structure, and the protective element becomes part of the housing, creating a unified assembly that provides both electrical connection and protection.
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
This configuration effectively protects the semipermeable membrane from external influences, preventing leakage and ensuring the membrane's functionality by directing pressure equalization openings towards the plug-in connection device and utilizing an inclined membrane to prevent dirt and liquid accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure equalization element with at least one semipermeable membrane, which is usually attached directly to the housing or to an opening in the housing. For example, the semi-permeable membrane allows air and water vapor to pass through, but keeps dirt, salt and water out of the interior of the housing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing for an electrical/electronic circuit, having at least one electrical plug connecting apparatus (4, 5) and at least one pressure-equalizing element (10) which has a semipermeable membrane (11) which is covered by means of a protective element (14), wherein the protective element (14) is arranged alongside the plug connecting apparatus (5) and has at least one pressure-equalizing opening (17, 18) which points essentially in the direction of the plug connecting apparatus (5). The invention also relates to a controller, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a housing as described above.