On-Vehicle Sensor Connector Cover for Waterproof Coupling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-vehicle sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, face environmental degradation due to exposure to foreign materials like rainwater, snow, ice, mud, and flying stones, which compromises their waterproof performance at the connector coupling portion between the sensor and wiring.
Innovation Solution
A protective cover is designed to cover the connector coupling portion, featuring a protection portion that covers the sensor-side and wiring-side connectors and a fixing portion integrated with the protection portion to be fixed on the on-vehicle sensor side, enhancing environmental resistance by preventing foreign matter entry and ensuring reliable connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the on-vehicle sensor is mounted on a vehicle body component and electrically connected via wiring, then the sensor can function for detecting objects, but the connector coupling portion is exposed to foreign materials like rainwater, snow, ice, mud, and flying stones, degrading waterproof performance
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector coupling portion and the external environment. The cover includes a protection portion that covers the connector coupling portion and a fixing portion that secures it to the on-vehicle sensor, creating a barrier against foreign materials while maintaining electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover functions as a protective shell that encloses the connector coupling portion. The cover is designed with appropriate thickness and material properties to provide robust protection against rainwater, snow, ice, mud, and flying stones while allowing the connector to function
2Reliability
If the protective cover covers the connector coupling portion, then environmental resistance and waterproof performance are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is divided into two functional segments: a protection portion that covers the connector coupling portion and a fixing portion that secures the cover to the on-vehicle sensor. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The protection portion and fixing portion are integrally formed as a single protective cover component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing complexity while still providing comprehensive protection and secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cover protects a connector coupling portion which is an electrical connection between an on-vehicle sensor to be mounted on a vehicle body component and a wiring. This protective cover includes a protection portion and a fixing portion. The protection portion covers the connector coupling portion at which a sensor-side connector which is provided on the on-vehicle sensor side and which extends in an extending direction is coupled to a wiring-side connector which is provided on the wiring side and which is to be coupled to the sensor-side connector while moving relatively with respect to the sensor-side connector in a coupling direction opposite to the extending direction. The fixing portion is integrally provided with the protection portion so as to be fixed on the on-vehicle sensor side.