Inverter Protector Structure With Constricted Load-Relief Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protector structures for electrical components concentrate collision loads at attachment points, leading to potential breakage of the electrical component case.

Innovation Solution

A protector structure with a protection portion and multiple attachment portions, featuring constricted low-strength portions between the protection and attachment portions, distributes collision loads evenly to prevent case breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the protector is made with high strength to prevent breakage at the presumable breakage portion, then the protector can withstand collision loads, but the collision load is concentrated on the attachment portion, causing the electrical component case to break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotector strengthVSAvoidcase breakage at attachment portion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a constricted portion with locally reduced thickness (lower strength) at specific positions between the protection portion and attachment portions. This localized weakness allows the protector to deform preferentially at the constricted portion during collision, distributing the load away from the attachment portions and preventing case breakage, while the overall protector maintains sufficient strength through its main body structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the protector strength is increased to prevent breakage, then protection effectiveness improves, but deformation possibility of the protector decreases, concentrating load on attachment portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidprotector deformation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thickness parameter of the protector at specific locations to create the constricted portion. This localized parameter change (reduced thickness) creates a controlled weakness that enables deformation at the constricted portion during collision, allowing the protector to maintain overall structural integrity and protection effectiveness while gaining the ability to deform and distribute loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The structure effectively distributes collision loads, reducing the likelihood of case breakage by allowing the protector to deform at low-strength constricted areas, thus protecting the electrical component.

Implementation Method 1

The constricted portion has a lower strength than the protection portion and the attachment portions, allowing it to deform first under load and redistribute stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4144551B1Protector structure for electrical component

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

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AI summary

A protector structure for an inverter 1 which is an example of an electrical component includes a protector 3 including a protection portion 31, an attachment portion 32A and an attachment portion 32B. The protector 3 has a constricted portion 33A between the protection portion 31 and the attachment portion 32A, and has a constricted portion 33B between the protection portion 31 and the attachment portion 32B.