Resin Component Cable Protection in Hybrid Vehicle PCU Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle mounting structures fail to effectively protect high-voltage cables from being caught between electric equipment and other components during deformation or movement, often increasing costs and complicating the structure.

Innovation Solution

An electric equipment mounting structure that includes a resin component positioned within a closed space, such as an engine room, with high-voltage lines connected to its surface, allowing the resin component to absorb shock and protect the cables without the need for additional protective members or increased costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional protective members are provided to protect high-voltage cables from being caught between electric equipment and other components, then cable protection is improved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resin component serves dual purposes: it functions as a structural element of the closed space and simultaneously acts as a protective cushion for the high-voltage cable. The resin component's inherent deformability allows it to absorb collision forces without requiring separate protective structures, thus achieving cable protection through self-service of existing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resin component is designed to perform multiple functions: it forms part of the closed space structure, provides electrical insulation, and serves as a shock-absorbing protective element for the cable. By making the resin component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated protective members

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

2Reliability

If additional protective members are provided to protect high-voltage cables, then cable protection is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The resin component protects the cable through its own structural properties without requiring separate protective members. This self-service approach eliminates additional manufacturing steps and material costs associated with dedicated cable protection structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cable protection function with the existing resin component structure. Instead of adding separate protective elements, the protection function is integrated into the resin component itself, reducing total part count and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the resin component is positioned close to the electric equipment, then space utilization is improved, but cable protection effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcable protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resin component is strategically positioned at specific locations where cable vulnerability occurs during deformation. Rather than uniformly distributing the component, it is placed locally at critical zones to provide targeted protection while maintaining efficient space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If rigid structures are used to protect cables, then protection strength is improved, but shock absorption capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection strengthVSAvoidshock absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the protecting structure by using a resin component with specific viscoelastic properties. This material exhibits both strength and deformability, allowing it to provide protection while absorbing shock through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance

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

This configuration effectively protects high-voltage lines from damage during deformation or movement, maintaining structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the resin component can deform to absorb the shock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the resin component can deform to absorb the shock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2000344B1Structure for mounting electrical machinery and electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2011.01.19 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2000344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2000344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2000344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric equipment mounting structure includes: a PCU (700) mounted inside an engine room (2) of a hybrid vehicle (1); an air cleaner (800) mounted inside the engine room (2) of the hybrid vehicle (1) with a distance between the PCU (700); and cables (900A, 900B, 900C) connected to a surface, facing the air cleaner (800), of the PCU (700).