Module Housing Connector Locking Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing module housing designs for electronic control devices in motor vehicles face issues with mechanical stress on electrical connection points due to improper alignment and tilting of the plug connector during assembly and usage, leading to potential failure of the control unit and compromised sealing.
Innovation Solution
A module housing with a locking arrangement featuring a hook element on the connector and a corresponding recess on the housing component, which aligns and securely fastens the connector to the housing, preventing tilting and pivoting, and ensuring a hermetic seal through a sealing compound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug connector is sealed with respect to the module housing by means of a hardening sealing compound, then the electronic circuit is protected against dust and moisture, but the connector can tilt with respect to the module housing during mechanical loading, leading to stress on electrical connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements (protrusions and recesses) are pre-formed on the connector and housing components before assembly. These locking features are designed in advance to engage with each other, preventing tilting and stabilizing the connector's position relative to the module housing before any mechanical loading occurs during operation or testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements act as intermediary mechanical features between the connector and housing components. The protrusions on one component engage with corresponding recesses on the other component, creating a stable mechanical interface that prevents tilting while allowing the sealing compound to maintain the protective seal.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector is mechanically loaded during production steps such as leak testing or programming, then necessary manufacturing operations can be performed, but mechanical forces can act on the connector that impair correct alignment and cause tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are pre-formed on the connector and housing components before assembly. These locking features are designed in advance to engage with each other, preventing tilting and stabilizing the connector's position relative to the module housing before any mechanical loading occurs during operation or testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements provide beforehand mechanical support and alignment stabilization. By engaging the protrusions with corresponding recesses, the locking elements cushion against mechanical forces that would otherwise cause tilting during leak testing, programming, or other manufacturing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed with a large number of receptacles for electrical plug contacts, then electrical connection capabilities are enhanced, but the connector becomes more susceptible to mechanical stress and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from considering only the electrical connection dimension to adding a mechanical locking dimension. The locking elements (protrusions and recesses) engage in a form-fitting connection that provides mechanical stability, allowing the connector with multiple receptacles to maintain both electrical versatility and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements act as intermediary mechanical features between the connector and housing components. The protrusions on one component engage with corresponding recesses on the other component, creating a stable mechanical interface that prevents tilting while allowing the sealing compound to maintain the protective seal.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a module housing with a housing component (100) for securing an electronic assembly and with a plug connector (200) for electrically connecting to the assembly. The plug connector (200) has a main part (201) with a plurality of receiving areas (215) for electric plug contacts (217) and a plug frame (220) which surrounds the receiving areas (215). The module housing has a locking arrangement in order to mechanically secure the plug connector (200) to the housing component (100), said locking arrangement having a locking element (205) of the plug connector (200) and a locking element (102) of the housing component (100). The locking element (205) of the plug connector (200) has a hook element (210), and the locking element (102) of the housing component (100) has a corresponding recess (105) for receiving the hook element (210).