Junction Box Grounding Member with Bending Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive sensors malfunction due to electrical noise from high-frequency sources, and existing anti-noise measures like capacitors in electrical connectors are prone to accidental disconnection when exposed to external forces, leading to unreliable ground connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical junction box with a conductive grounding member that securely locks the capacitor and electric wire, featuring a bending preventing portion to resist external forces and prevent accidental disconnection, combined with a mounting unit for enhanced stability and assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used to secure the cover and capacitor, then the structure remains simple, but the locking mechanism is exposed to external forces causing accidental removal and electrical disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the grounding member: it serves as both the electrical grounding path and the structural locking component. The locking portion is integrated directly into the grounding member body, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. This merging of functions maintains structural simplicity while achieving reliable electrical connection and mechanical locking simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a connecting portion for electrical connection, a cover portion for enclosure, a locking portion for mechanical retention, and a bending preventing portion for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the locking portion is made flexible to allow assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but external forces can cause bending and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The bending preventing portion is designed to become effective only after the locking portion is properly engaged with the body. During assembly, the locking portion can bend freely to engage with the body's locking groove. Once engaged, the bending preventing portion activates to prevent any subsequent bending or detachment caused by external forces such as vehicle vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending preventing portion acts as a pre-designed protective feature that cushions against the harmful effects of external forces before they can cause detachment. It provides structural reinforcement at the critical location where bending would occur, preventing the locking portion from detaching under vibration or impact loads.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection unit includes an electrical junction box that incorporates a capacitor and has (a) a body that has an electronic component accommodating space accommodating the capacitor via an opening; and an electric wire receiving space receiving an electric wire electrically connected to a terminal of the capacitor, and (b) an electrically conductive grounding member that grounds a grounding terminal of the capacitor and integrally includes: a connecting portion electrically connected to the grounding terminal; a cover portion covering the opening of the electronic component accommodating space; a locking to be locked with corresponding locking portions of the body; a bending preventing portion preventing inward bending one of the locking portions of the body which may cause one of the locking portions of the grounding member to be accidentally detached from the corresponding locking portion of the body; and a grounding portion.