In-Vehicle Electronic Component Sealing Structure with Rib Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle electronic devices are susceptible to liquid infiltration, such as car washing water, which can deteriorate sealing members and lead to internal damage due to existing sealing structures that fail to effectively prevent liquid entry.
Innovation Solution
A sealing structure for in-vehicle electronic components featuring a protrusion member with a sealing surface and a rib with a discharge surface located lower than the sealing surface, where the cover member's extension blocks direct liquid flow and the rib's concave part directs liquids away from the sealing surface, preventing infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sealing structure with overlapping side surfaces is used, then the sealing member is protected from direct liquid impact, but liquid can still infiltrate along the sealing surface due to gravitational flow
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the protrusion member with sealing surface, the rib with discharge surface positioned lower than the sealing surface, and the extension member. This segmentation creates distinct functional regions that work together to prevent liquid infiltration while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the discharge surface at the same level as or higher than the sealing surface, the rib's discharge surface is positioned lower than the sealing surface of the protrusion member. This inverted arrangement ensures that liquid flows away from the sealing surface rather than accumulating on it, effectively preventing infiltration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the discharge surface is positioned at the same level as the sealing surface, then liquid can drain freely, but the sealing surface remains exposed to liquid flow and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stepped configuration. The rib creates a vertical dimension with the discharge surface positioned lower than the sealing surface, establishing a height difference that enables liquid to drain away from the sealing surface while preventing direct exposure to liquid flow.
3Device complexity
If the extension member extends to the same level as the discharge surface, then the structure is simpler, but liquid can still reach the sealing surface through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The extension member is designed to extend lower than the discharge surface of the rib, creating a preliminary barrier that prevents liquid from reaching the sealing surface before liquid can infiltrate through any gaps. This preliminary protective action ensures sealing effectiveness even with the simplified structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing structure includes: a case that stores an in-vehicle electronic component and has an opening; and a first cover member that covers the opening of the case. The case includes: an protrusion member that has a sealing surface protruded to surround the opening; and a rib that is protruded on an opposite side of the opening with the protrusion member interposed therebetween. The rib has a discharge surface that is connected to the sealing surface of the protrusion member. The first cover member has an extension member that extends along the rib. The discharge surface of the rib is located to be lower than the sealing surface of the protrusion member while the case is arranged with the opening facing upward, and the extension member of the first cover member extends to be lower than the discharge surface of the rib.