Vehicle Relay Connector Layout for Standardized Harness Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle power-supply distribution systems lack an optimized connector configuration, particularly when considering the installation areas within a vehicle and the standardization of power-supply distribution devices.
Innovation Solution
The in-vehicle system incorporates a plurality of relay devices installed in various areas of the vehicle, featuring standardized connectors that correspond to the installation areas, with harnesses connected directly or via relay connectors, ensuring that the first relay device has no more relay connectors than the second relay device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the number and shapes of connectors are standardized between relay devices, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the adaptability to different installation areas and harness routing requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple installation areas, and each relay device is assigned to specific areas. The connectors are segmented into different types (first type for same-area connections, second type for different-area connections) to handle different routing requirements while maintaining standardization within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay devices are designed with universal connector configurations that can serve multiple functions: connecting harnesses from the same installation area, connecting harnesses from different installation areas, and interfacing with relay connectors. This multi-functionality allows standardized relay devices to adapt to various installation scenarios.
2Productivity
If relay devices are installed in multiple partitioned areas of the vehicle, then harness routing efficiency is improved, but the number of connectors and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle electrical system is segmented into multiple installation areas with dedicated relay devices in each area. This segmentation allows harnesses to be routed locally within areas, reducing routing distance and improving efficiency, while the standardized connector types keep the overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay connectors serve as intermediaries between relay devices in different installation areas. Instead of requiring direct connections between all relay devices, the relay connectors mediate the connections, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining efficient harness routing across areas.
3Quantity of substance
If the first relay device has fewer or equal relay connectors compared to the second relay device, then component cost is reduced, but the flexibility in harness configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different relay devices are assigned different numbers of relay connectors based on their specific installation area requirements. The first relay device, installed in an area with simpler harness routing needs, has fewer connectors, while the second relay device, installed in an area requiring more connections, has more connectors. This local optimization reduces overall component cost while maintaining necessary flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector configuration is made dynamic by allowing different relay devices to have different numbers and types of connectors based on their installation locations and harness routing requirements. This dynamic configuration approach enables cost optimization for each specific application while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle system installed in a vehicle including a plurality of relay devices, wherein the plurality of relay devices are installed in a plurality of installation areas partitioned in the vehicle and include a plurality of connectors corresponding in number to the plurality of installation areas, the number and shapes of the plurality of connectors are standardized between the plurality of relay devices, harnesses extended from the plurality of installation areas are connected to the plurality of connectors either directly or via relay connectors, the plurality of relay devices include: a first relay device in which harnesses extended from different installation areas are connected to the plurality of connectors; and a second relay device other than the first relay device, and the number of relay connectors connected to the first relay device is no greater than the number of relay connectors connected to the second relay device.