Vehicle Sensor Electronic Unit with Longitudinal PCB Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic units for vehicle sensors are complex to assemble, have a large overall width, and lack efficient communication between the vehicle and sensor, making them difficult to manufacture and install in limited vehicle spaces.
Innovation Solution
An electronic unit with a housing containing a printed circuit board arranged between two connection areas, allowing for efficient communication and reduced size, featuring a cavity sealed by a cover element and filled with a potting compound for protection, and using connecting elements for secure electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the circuit board is housed in a rear-enclosed enclosure with side-by-side connections, then the sensor can be connected to the vehicle, but the overall width is determined by twice the width of the connector and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a side-by-side arrangement (horizontal dimension) to a front-rear arrangement (longitudinal dimension), where the circuit board is positioned between the first connection area (front) and second connection area (rear) along the longitudinal axis of the housing. This dimensional reorganization reduces the width requirement while maintaining all necessary connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the circuit board housing within the same enclosure as both connection areas, merging previously separate components (circuit board housing, first connector housing, second connector housing) into a single integrated electronic unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate assemblies and simplifies the overall structure.
2Reliability
If the circuit board is inserted from the front into a rear-enclosed enclosure, then the enclosure can be sealed, but access for installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the circuit board from the front into a rear-enclosed enclosure (as in prior art), the patent allows insertion from the rear side through the second connection area, or provides access through the housing structure. This inverted approach maintains sealing reliability while improving installation accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection areas are arranged side by side, then both connections can be housed in one enclosure, but the overall width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the first connection area and second connection area in the longitudinal direction (front-rear arrangement) rather than the lateral direction (side-by-side arrangement). This repositioning along the longitudinal axis maintains integration of both connections while significantly reducing the overall width of the electronic unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic unit (1) for a sensor (2), in particular a foot switch, for a vehicle (3), comprising a first connection area (31) for connecting the electronic unit (1) to the vehicle (3), a second connection area (32) for connecting the electronic unit (1) to the sensor (2), a housing (10), and a printed circuit board (20), wherein the printed circuit board (20) is arranged in a cavity (11) of the housing (10). The invention further relates to a vehicle (3) with an electronic unit (1) and a manufacturing method (100) for manufacturing an electronic unit (1).