Integrated Branch Connector for Vehicle Wire Harnesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle wire harness systems require a separate branch box for power distribution, limiting installation locations and necessitating long wire harnesses, which hinders space and weight savings.
Innovation Solution
A branch connector integrated with upstream devices near the inverter, connected via harnesses of the same cable size to downstream devices, eliminating the need for a separate branch box and incorporating a fuse-attached connector for power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate branch box is provided for power distribution, then power distribution function is achieved, but installation location is limited and wire harness length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the branch connector directly with the inverter device, merging the power distribution function into the inverter itself. This eliminates the need for a separate branch box and reduces wire harness length by allowing power distribution at the inverter location rather than requiring a distant branch box installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is designed to serve multiple functions: both as a power conversion device and as a power distribution hub through the integrated branch connector. This multi-functionality allows the inverter to distribute power to multiple devices without requiring separate distribution equipment, thereby increasing installation flexibility and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate branch box is provided for power distribution, then power distribution function is achieved, but space and weight of wire harness system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The branch connector is merged with the inverter body, eliminating the need for a separate branch box component. This integration removes the weight of the separate branch box and its associated mounting structures, while maintaining the power distribution capability through the integrated connector design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate branch box is provided for power distribution, then power distribution function is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the branch connector and inverter into a single integrated unit, reducing the total number of components in the system. Instead of having a separate branch box as an additional component, the power distribution function is built into the inverter, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter is designed to perform multiple functions including both power conversion and power distribution. By making the inverter a multi-functional device that can both convert DC to AC power and distribute that power to multiple devices, the system eliminates the need for separate distribution equipment, thereby reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A branch connector for vehicle wire harnesses is connected to an inverter that is connected to a battery and configured to distribute electric power. The branch connector for vehicle wire harnesses is integrally connected to a first device, which is one of a plurality of devices and is positioned upstream closer to the inverter, and is electrically connected to a second device, which is one of the plurality of devices and is positioned downstream, via a harness. The branch connector for vehicle wire harnesses can distribute electric power from the inverter to each of the devices.