Seat Control Wire Harness Connector Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat control systems face challenges in miniaturization and standardization due to the large size of connectors required for drive and sensor circuits, which complicates mountability and specification conformity across different vehicle loads.
Innovation Solution
The system separates drive and signal connectors, allowing for miniaturization and standardization by using separate drive and signal connectors that perform multiplex communication through a signal line, with the control unit prioritizing drive commands based on seat priority to manage simultaneous operations and reduce current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drive circuit and sensor circuit are incorporated in the connector, then signal relay function is achieved, but connector size becomes large thus lowering mountability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate connectors: a drive connector that incorporates the drive circuit for driving loads, and a signal connector that handles communication signals. This segmentation allows each connector to be miniaturized by eliminating unnecessary circuits, while collectively maintaining the complete functionality of signal relay and load driving.
2Reliability
If drive circuit and sensor circuit are incorporated in the connector, then communication with control unit is enabled, but connector specifications must change to conform to load specifications thus complicating standardization
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the drive circuit functions from the signal communication functions into different connectors, the signal connector can maintain standardized specifications across different applications. The drive connector adapts to specific load requirements without affecting the standardized signal connector design, thus enabling easier standardization and interchangeability.
3Volume of moving object
If separate drive connector and signal connector are used, then connector miniaturization is achieved, but wiring complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal connector is designed to handle multiple functions including communication signals, operation signals, and sensor signals through a unified multiplex communication interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated connectors for each signal type, thereby simplifying the overall wiring structure despite the separation of drive and signal functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire harness includes a power source line and a signal line which connect a control ECU for controlling motor units disposed on each seat of a vehicle, switch units for operating the motor units and the motor units to each other. Drive connectors in which drive circuits for driving the motor units are incorporated are provided to terminals of the wire harness on a motor units side. Signal connectors for transmitting operation signals indicative of states of the switch units are mounted on terminals of the wire harness on a switch units side. The drive connectors and the signal connectors are provided as parts separate from each other, and the control ECU, the drive connectors and the signal connectors are provided that multiplex communication is possible among them through the signal line.