Vehicle Steering PCB Connector Sealing Against Moisture Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture ingress into electronic control devices in vehicle steering apparatuses can cause errors or failures, particularly during autonomous driving, compromising driver safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus design incorporating a motor housing, board housing with a printed circuit board, a connector cover with protruding walls, and an elastic member that seals the connector terminals to prevent moisture entry, using materials like natural rubber or silicone for the elastic member and potting resin for additional sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic control device is exposed to the external environment for normal operation, then the device can perform its control function, but moisture enters the device causing errors or failures
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic member (flexible sealing element) is positioned between the connector cover and board housing to create a flexible seal that prevents moisture ingress while accommodating thermal expansion and vibration. The elastic member deforms elastically to maintain sealing contact under varying conditions, solving the contradiction between maintaining operational exposure and preventing moisture entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary sealing element between the connector cover and board housing. This mediator component prevents direct moisture pathways while allowing the electronic control device to remain functional, thus resolving the contradiction between device accessibility and moisture protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing structures are added to prevent moisture ingress, then moisture protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides an effective seal using a simple flexible element rather than complex multi-component sealing systems. This single elastic component prevents moisture ingress while maintaining relatively simple device structure, resolving the contradiction between moisture protection and structural complexity.
3Strength
If the connector cover is made rigid for structural strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but the sealing capability against moisture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is positioned between the rigid connector cover and board housing to provide the necessary sealing flexibility. The rigid cover maintains structural strength while the elastic member compensates for rigidity-induced sealing deficiencies, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member introduces dynamic sealing capability to the otherwise rigid connector assembly. It can deform and adapt to dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion or vibration, maintaining sealing effectiveness while the rigid cover provides structural strength.
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
Effectively prevents errors and failures of electronic control devices due to moisture ingress, ensuring reliable operation during autonomous driving and enhancing driver safety by maintaining the integrity of the electronic control devices.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which has one surface brought into close contact with the printed circuit board and the other surface brought into close contact with the connector cover
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a motor housing having a motor built therein; a board housing having a printed circuit board built therein, and coupled to the motor housing; a connector cover provided with connector terminals electrically connected to elements of the printed circuit board, and coupled to the board housing; and an elastic member having one surface brought into close contact with the printed circuit board and the other surface brought into close contact with the connector cover.