Electronic Circuit Housing with Perpendicular Venting Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing housings for electronic circuits in the motor vehicle sector face challenges in efficiently compensating for pressure fluctuations while preventing water ingress, as simple openings can allow water penetration and known solutions do not adequately enhance venting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A housing design featuring a semi-permeable membrane pressure compensation element arranged inside a plug housing part with a ventilation channel system, including a web-delimited receiving area and perpendicular venting ducts, which creates a protected and efficient venting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple openings or bores are provided for pressure compensation, then pressure fluctuations can be compensated, but water can penetrate directly into the housing causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the interior and exterior of the housing. This membrane allows water vapor and air to pass through for pressure equalization while blocking liquid water penetration, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure compensation and water protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible hydrophobic membrane as a thin film structure that selectively permits gas and vapor transmission while preventing liquid water ingress. This thin film solution enables pressure compensation without compromising the housing's water tightness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If semipermeable membranes are used to prevent water penetration, then water protection is improved, but venting efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the ventilation system into a three-dimensional structure with multiple channels (first and second ventilation channels) arranged in different spatial dimensions. This multi-dimensional venting architecture increases the total venting area and efficiency while maintaining the protective function of the hydrophobic membrane
3Ease of manufacture
If pressure compensation elements are exposed on the housing surface, then venting is simplified, but mechanical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure compensation element (hydrophobic membrane) is nested within the housing structure, specifically positioned within a recess and covered by the housing wall. This nested arrangement protects the membrane from mechanical damage while maintaining its pressure equalization function, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and mechanical 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 design provides a clear and protected area for the pressure equalization element, enhances venting efficiency through specialized flow patterns, and prevents direct mechanical damage, while allowing air and vapor passage while excluding liquid water.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure compensation element consisting of at least one semi-permeable membrane is arranged on an inside of the connector housing part below a ventilation channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing for an electronic circuit, wherein a part of the housing is designed as a plug housing part having an electrical plug-in connecting device, comprising a pressure equalizing element, which is arranged on an inner face of the plug housing part beneath a ventilation channel, characterized in that a web, which delimits a receiving region for the pressure equalizing element, is integrally formed on the inner face of the plug housing part, wherein the pressure equalizing element is arranged in said receiving region and is glued to the inner face of the plug housing part, wherein the plug housing part inside the receiving region, starting from the pressure equalizing element, first comprises a ventilation cut-out having a first cross-section and then a first ventilation channel having a second, smaller cross-section, wherein the first ventilation channel leads into a second ventilation channel extending substantially perpendicularly thereto, and the second ventilation channel is formed inside a housing extension on the outer face of the plug housing part and at both axial ends comprises an opening to the outside.