Vehicle Rotating Machine Waterproof Cap with Tapered Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating electric machines for vehicles face water intrusion issues at the connection portion between the output terminal and the wire harness, leading to potential corrosion due to gaps between the output terminal and the cover member, which allows water to enter and reach the connection part.
Innovation Solution
A rotating electric machine design featuring a rotor, stator, frame member, rectifier, battery terminal, insulating member with a conical tapered through hole, and a waterproof cap, where the insulating member and battery terminal are pressed together at the tapered face to form a seal, preventing water intrusion and ensuring waterproof performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rectifier housing with output terminal is used, then the rectifier can be protected and connected to the wire harness, but gaps between the output terminal and cover member allow water intrusion leading to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a waterproof cap that acts as a flexible sealing element to cover the connection portion between the battery terminal and wire harness. This cap creates a waterproof barrier that prevents water intrusion into the connection area, directly addressing the harmful effect of water-induced corrosion while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member with the conical tapered through-hole serves as an intermediary component between the battery terminal and the rectifier housing. It provides both electrical insulation and a precise mounting structure that positions the battery terminal correctly, while the waterproof cap adds another layer of protection at the connection interface.
2Ease of operation
If the battery terminal is inserted through the rectifier housing, then connection to the wire harness is enabled, but gaps around the terminal allow water to reach the connection part
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cap functions as a flexible sealing shell that conforms to the connection portion between the battery terminal and wire harness. It effectively seals the gap that naturally exists around the inserted terminal, preventing water from reaching the electrical connection while allowing for assembly tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines multiple materials with different properties: the insulating member provides electrical insulation and structural support, while the waterproof cap provides environmental sealing. This composite approach addresses both the electrical and waterproofing requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating electric machine for a vehicle includes a rectifier constituting a rectification circuit which rectifies the alternating current generated in the stator; a battery terminal protruding from the rectifier and configured to be connected with a battery cable; an insulating member having a through hole in which the battery terminal is inserted; and a waterproof cap attached to the insulating member so as to cover a connection part of the battery terminal with the battery cable in a waterproof state. One of an inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the insulating member and an outer peripheral surface of the battery terminal has a conical tapered face. The insulating member and the battery terminal are pressed against each other at the tapered face.