Steering Module Rotary Connector Direct Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering module structure is inconvenient and costly due to the need for complex circuit substrate paths and protective components for high-current signals, which interferes with cost reduction and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A steering module design where the rotary connector is directly connected to the vehicle body side without passing through the circuit substrate, eliminating the need for substrate paths and protective components, and featuring a housing with a connector cover to expose outer connector terminals and pins for simplified and cost-effective electric coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotary connector is connected to the vehicle body side through the circuit substrate, then the signal path can be established, but the structure becomes complex and costly due to the need for substrate paths and protective components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-current signal path from the circuit substrate by providing a dedicated connector that bypasses the substrate. This separation eliminates the need for protective components and complex substrate routing for airbag and horn circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Device complexity
If the rotary connector is directly mounted on the housing, then the structure is simplified, but the fitting accuracy and connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit substrate serves as an intermediary component between the housing and the rotary connector. It provides a stable mounting platform with precisely positioned connector terminals, ensuring accurate alignment and reliable electrical connections while maintaining a simplified overall module structure.
3Reliability
If protective components are added to the circuit substrate for high-current signals, then the safety is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection paths into two categories: high-current signals (airbag, horn) that use a dedicated bypass connector, and other signals that use the circuit substrate. This segmentation eliminates the need for protective components on the substrate while maintaining safety for high-current circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering module is structured to have plural connector pins (15) formed on the circuit substrate (2) in the housing (1) protruding downward therefrom, and have the rotary connector (4) and the stoke switches (5, 6) connected to the corresponding connector (9) on the circuit substrate (2), respectively. The stator member (4b) of the rotary connector (4) is provided with a first direct connector (4c) with plural outer connector terminals (41) and a second direct connector (4d) connected to the connector (9), which are closely located and protrude downward. The circuit substrate (2) has terminal insertion holes (2e) through which the outer connector terminals (41) are inserted to be located close to the connector pins (15). The housing (1) is provided with a connector cover portion (1c) for exposing the outer connector terminals (41) and the connector pins (15) inside such that the vehicle side connector (20) is fitted in the connector cover portion (1c).