Spring-Clip Housing Joiner for EMC Shielding and Gap Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for joining electronic control unit (ECU) housing parts to achieve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection are complex and costly, requiring gaskets and screw fasteners, and struggle with manufacturing tolerance variations.
Innovation Solution
A resilient spring-clip joining element with pairs of jaws that self-position and engage housing parts, increasing gripping force to secure them together, allowing for variations in gap sizes and eliminating the need for gaskets by using a sheet of material bent into a continuous M-shaped configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaskets with embedded metal elements and screw fasteners are used to join housing parts, then electromagnetic compatibility and electrostatic discharge protection are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (EMC protection, ESD protection, and mechanical joining) into a single integrated spring clip element. The resilient engagement elements with conductive material provide both electromagnetic shielding and mechanical fastening in one component, eliminating the need for separate gaskets and screw fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening through resilient engagement, electromagnetic compatibility through conductive material, and electrostatic discharge protection through grounded conductive paths. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If gaskets and screw fasteners are used to join housing parts, then EMC/ESD protection is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (EMC protection, ESD protection, and mechanical joining) into a single integrated spring clip element. The resilient engagement elements with conductive material provide both electromagnetic shielding and mechanical fastening in one component, eliminating the need for separate gaskets and screw fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (separate gaskets and fasteners) from the joining system, retaining only the essential spring clip element that performs all required functions, thereby simplifying the bill of materials and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If housing parts are joined with fixed engagement forces, then secure connection is achieved, but adaptation to manufacturing tolerance variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient (spring) engagement elements that provide dynamic, flexible connection rather than rigid fixed-force joining. The spring mechanism automatically adjusts engagement forces to accommodate variations in gap sizes caused by manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient engagement elements change their mechanical parameters (engagement force) in response to varying gap conditions. The spring clip adapts its force application based on the actual distance between housing parts, providing consistent securing across tolerance variations.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces material costs, and provides effective EMC/ESD protection by aligning and securing housing parts with a self-adapting mechanism that maintains closure and shields against environmental and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of resilient engagement elements or jaws for receiving a first part to be joined; and a second pair of resilient engagement elements or jaws for receiving a second part to be joined to the first part
Data Source
AI summary
A joining element for coupling two parts of a housing includes a first pair of resilient engagement elements for receiving a first part of the housing and a second pair of resilient engagement elements for receiving a second part of the housing to be coupled to the first part. The first pair of resilient engagement elements is configured to receive and engage with the first part of the housing by a first engagement force. The second pair of resilient engagement elements is configured to receive and engage with the second part of the housing by a second engagement force. Securing the second part by the second pair of resilient engagement elements causes an increase in the first engagement force on the first part.