Electrical Connection Box Cover Layout for Waterproof Fuse Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connection boxes for vehicles face issues with waterproofness when replacing fuses, as the process requires exposing the entire upper portion of the lower case, increasing the size of the waterproof region and compromising the box's sealing.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a case with a detachable cover and sealing member, featuring a first working hole that allows for easy replacement of overcurrent protection elements while maintaining a watertight seal, and a configuration where the branch circuits are housed in separate compartments within the case, reducing the overall size and enhancing waterproofness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the upper case is removed from the lower case to replace the fuse, then the fuse replacement work becomes easier, but the waterproofness of the electrical connection box is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a removable cover portion and a fixed case body portion. The cover can be detached to access the fuse for replacement, while the case body remains sealed to maintain waterproofness. This segmentation allows independent access to the fuse without compromising the overall sealing of the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is extracted as a separate removable component from the case body. This extracted cover provides access to the fuse and other components, while the remaining case body maintains its waterproof seal. The extraction of the cover portion enables maintenance operations without affecting the sealing integrity of the main enclosure.
2Ease of operation
If the entire upper portion of the lower case is exposed for fuse replacement, then the fuse becomes accessible, but the region that needs to be waterproof is increased in size
Solution Approach 1:
The case structure is segmented into a small removable cover and a larger fixed case body. Only the minimal necessary area (the cover) is made accessible for fuse replacement, while the majority of the case body remains sealed. This segmentation minimizes the area that would otherwise need to be exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion is designed with local accessibility quality - it can be removed to expose the fuse area. The case body maintains global sealing quality - it remains waterproof. This local quality differentiation allows fuse access without compromising the overall waterproof region.
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
This design simplifies the replacement process of overcurrent protection elements and significantly improves the waterproofness of the electrical connection box by minimizing the exposed area during maintenance, ensuring a smaller and more reliable enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
a cover sealing member having elasticity; the cover sealing member is brought into close contact with a peripheral edge portion of the first working hole of the case body and the cover
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection box includes a case; a power supply circuit; and a branch circuit, wherein the branch circuit includes a detachable overcurrent protection element and branches from the power supply circuit; the case includes a case body, a cover detachably attached to the case body, and a cover sealing member having elasticity; the case body includes a first working hole and houses the power supply circuit and the branch circuit; the first working hole is formed at a position that allows the overcurrent protection element to face outward and is formed with external shape dimensions smaller than external shape dimensions of a ceiling plate; the cover is installed on the case body such that the first working hole is closed; and the cover sealing member is brought into close contact with a peripheral edge portion of the first working hole of the case body and the cover.