Elastically Deformable Shell Windows for Connector Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Assembling shells for electronic device housings in motor vehicles is challenging due to precise alignment requirements, material dimensional variations, thermal expansion differences, and susceptibility to vibrations, leading to connector misalignment and deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The housing consists of a first shell formed from two elementary shells with molded mobility means, allowing relative movement to facilitate assembly and compensate for thermal expansion and vibrations, using an elastically deformable member like a pleat to ensure easy assembly and protect connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If connectors are retained in windows with close fitting to ensure precise alignment, then connector alignment precision is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and connector deterioration risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobility means (elastically deformable member) that allows the window to dynamically adjust its position. The window can elastically deform to accommodate connectors during assembly, then maintain precise alignment once the connector is in place. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both assembly ease (through elastic movement) and alignment precision (through controlled deformation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the window by making it elastically deformable. The window's stiffness parameter is adjusted locally to allow controlled deformation during assembly. This parameter change enables the window to adapt its geometry to accommodate connector positioning variations, thereby improving both assembly ease and maintaining alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If shell dimensions are made strictly identical to ensure precise connector alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the window portion elastically deformable while keeping the rest of the shell rigid. This localized flexibility allows the window to compensate for dimensional variations in the shell without requiring the entire shell to be manufactured with extremely tight tolerances. Consequently, mass production becomes more feasible while still achieving the necessary alignment precision for connectors.
3Length of moving object
If connectors are made with smaller dimensions to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but connector fragility increases and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the elastically deformable window as a cushioning mechanism that protects fragile connectors during assembly. The elastic deformation absorbs mechanical shocks and misalignment stresses that would otherwise damage small, fragile connectors. This beforehand cushioning allows the use of smaller connectors while maintaining their reliability by protecting them from assembly-related stresses.
4Strength
If shells are assembled together with rigid fixing to ensure structural stability, then housing strength is improved, but connector deterioration due to thermal expansion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly addresses thermal expansion by making the window elastically deformable. When temperature changes cause differential expansion between the shell and connector materials, the elastic window can deform to accommodate these dimensional changes without transmitting damaging forces to the connector. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining overall housing strength while protecting the connector from thermal stress through controlled elastic deformation.
5Productivity
If assembly is made simple and fast by reducing steps, then productivity is improved, but assembly robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service assembly through the elastic deformability of the window. The window automatically adjusts its position and shape during connector insertion, facilitating easy alignment and retention without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple assembly steps. This self-adjusting capability maintains assembly robustness while improving productivity by simplifying the assembly process.
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 solution enables robust, fast, and cost-effective assembly of shells, minimizing connector misalignment and deterioration, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing fabrication costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first shell is formed from at least two elementary shells and said first shell has molded into it at least one mobility means allowing relative movement between the elementary shells
Implementation Method 2
the second shell and the electronic circuit card are produced from materials with respective coefficients of thermal expansion that are liable to be different
Implementation Method 3
the protection housing is frequently subjected to vibrations that are liable to affect reception of the connectors by the windows
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing for protecting an electronic device (1) to be fitted to a motor vehicle, the housing comprising a plurality of shells (2, 3) forming a front (2) and a cap (3), these being assembled together to define jointly an enclosure (4) for housing an electronic card (1) provided with remote connectors (13), wherein at least one first shell (3) is formed from at least two elementary shells (18) and said first shell (3) includes, moulded into it, at least one mobility means allowing relative movement between the elementary shells. The first shell (3) is formed in one piece, the two elementary shells (18) are situated side by side, each comprising a window for the passage and/or reception of a connector (13), and said mobility means comprises an elastically deformable member (26).