Vehicle Electric Device Case Projection for Connector Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric device installation structures in vehicles face challenges in shock resistance, particularly with connectors interfering with cowl panels during collisions, leading to potential damage and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

The proposed structure includes projections on the rear surface of the electric device case that extend upward beyond the boundary between the case and cover, protecting connectors from interference with rearward structural objects without the need for side protectors, allowing for a more compact design and secure bolt fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protectors are provided on the sides of the connector, then the connector is protected from interference with the cowl panel, but the size of the protector increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidprotector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from providing protectors on the sides of the connector (horizontal dimension) to providing a projection on the rear surface of the case that extends upward (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows the connector to be protected from interference with the cowl panel while avoiding the need for large side protectors, thus resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and protector size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a projection is provided on the rear surface of the case extending upward, then the connector is protected from interference, but the projection may interfere with bolts during attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidbolt attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing a recess in the rear surface of the case at the location where bolts need to be inserted. This recess creates a localized space that allows bolts to pass through without interfering with the projection, thus resolving the contradiction between connector protection and ease of bolt attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the projection extends to a position above the connector, then the connector is ensured to be protected, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidprojection height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by making the projection extend only to the minimum necessary height above the connector to provide adequate protection, rather than extending excessively high. This ensures the connector is protected from interference with the cowl panel while minimizing the increase in overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11173855B2Electric device installation structure in vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

An electric device installation structure in a vehicle includes an electric device configured to be fixed on a vehicle structural object in a front compartment of a vehicle. A cover is attached to an upper part of a case of the electric device. A first connector projects from a rear portion of the cover. A projection is provided on a rear surface of the case, the projection extending upward to a position above a boundary between the case and the cover.