Automotive Power Connection Unit for Adding Sub-Power Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require extensive exchange of harnesses and electrical power distribution boxes when adding a sub-power source, which is inefficient and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection unit with multiple power paths and fuse attachment parts allows seamless integration of additional power sources by connecting a second power source to existing paths without necessitating a full exchange of the unit or wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sub-power source is added to the electrical power distribution system, then the system's power supply capability is improved, but the complexity of harness and electrical connection unit exchange increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source addition capabilityVSAvoidharness exchange complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection unit is designed with multiple power source connection terminals and multiple load connection terminals, allowing it to serve as a universal interface for both main and sub-power sources. The unit can handle power distribution from a single power source or multiple power sources simultaneously, making it multi-functional and adaptable to different system configurations without requiring different connection units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection unit is segmented into distinct functional sections: power source connection terminals, fuse attachment parts, and load connection terminals. This segmentation allows individual components to be added or removed independently. When adding a sub-power source, only the necessary connection terminals and fuses need to be activated, not the entire harness or connection unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sub-power source is added to the electrical power distribution system, then the system's power supply capability is improved, but the time required for system modification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source addition capabilityVSAvoidsystem modification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection unit is pre-configured with multiple power source connection terminals and multiple load connection terminals before installation. The fuse attachment parts are pre-positioned to accommodate additional fuses for sub-power sources. This preliminary preparation means that when a sub-power source needs to be added, the physical infrastructure is already in place, and only the electrical connections and fuse installations are required, significantly reducing modification time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power paths are implemented in the electrical connection unit, then the flexibility of power distribution is improved, but the structural complexity of the connection unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower path configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconnection unit structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple power paths are achieved through segmentation of the connection unit into distinct terminal sections and fuse attachment parts. Each power path consists of a specific sequence of terminals and fuses, and these paths are structurally separated rather than intertwined. This segmentation allows multiple independent power paths to coexist without creating complex interconnections, maintaining structural clarity while providing distribution flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical connection unit is designed to accommodate future power source additions, then the system's adaptability is improved, but the initial device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuture expansion capabilityVSAvoidinitial connection unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection unit incorporates universal connection terminals and standardized fuse attachment parts that can accommodate both current power distribution needs and future expansion requirements. The same terminal structure serves as the interface for both main-power source connections and sub-power source connections, eliminating the need for specialized components for each power source type and reducing overall complexity despite enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12472893B2Electrical connection unit
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
  • US12472893B2 patent drawing
  • US12472893B2 patent drawing
  • US12472893B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an electrical connection unit disposed in an automobile and performing relay in supplying electrical power from a first power source to a load apparatus. An electrical connection unit includes: a first electrical power path and a second electrical power path connected to a load apparatus; a third electrical power path connected to a first power source; a power source connection part which can be connected to a second power source; a first fuse attachment part which can attach a first fuse connecting the first electrical power path and the third electrical power path and is connected to the first electrical power path and the third electrical power path; and a second fuse attachment part which can attach a second fuse connecting the second electrical power path and the third electrical power path and is connected to the second electrical power path and the third electrical power path.