Inverter Case Overlap Structure for Connector Collision Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inverter safety structures for vehicles are complex and increase the number of components and weight, compromising safety during collisions.

Innovation Solution

The inverter design incorporates an overlapping configuration between the flange portion and the outer wall of the connector connecting portion, enhancing structural strength without adding new components, and features a ribbed arch-shaped outer wall for increased durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If another structure is further attached to the inverter to buffer a collision, then safety at the time of collision is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and the number of components and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety at the time of collisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the collision buffering function into the existing case structure by making the flange portion and outer wall portion overlap, combining the structural support and collision protection functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate buffering structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the overlapping arrangement of the flange portion and outer wall portion in a directional layout, creating a multi-layered protective structure that disperses collision impact through spatial distribution without adding volumetric complexity

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

2Reliability

If another structure is further attached to the inverter to buffer a collision, then safety at the time of collision is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety at the time of collisionVSAvoidinverter weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The collision protection function is merged into the existing case structure through the overlapping flange and outer wall portions, eliminating the need for separate weight-bearing collision buffers while maintaining protective functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the connector connecting portion is made stronger to prevent damage at collision, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector connecting portion strengthVSAvoidcase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies localized reinforcement by making the flange portion and outer wall portion overlap specifically at the connector connecting portion, providing targeted strength enhancement only where needed rather than strengthening the entire case structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The structural reinforcement for the connector connecting portion is achieved by integrating the overlapping flange and outer wall portions, combining the strengthening function with the existing case geometry without adding separate reinforcement components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4116130B1inverter
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4116130B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4116130B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4116130B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inverter includes a case, and the case includes an upper case and a lower case attached to a bottom surface side of the upper case. The upper case includes a flange portion constituting an attachment portion of the lower case, and a connector connecting portion to which a connector is connected. The connector connecting portion includes an outer wall portion that forms an outer wall of the connector connecting portion. At least a part of the flange portion and at least a part of the outer wall portion are disposed so as to overlap each other in a direction in which the connector connecting portion and the structure face each other.