Wire Harness Branch Layout With Detachable Voltage Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire harnesses struggle to efficiently supply power to devices with different operating voltages in vehicles, particularly lacking in effective arrangement of voltage conversion functions.

Innovation Solution

The wire harness includes an electronic component unit with a power supply terminal, circuit branch portion, and detachable voltage converter that branches and converts power to multiple systems, enabling appropriate power supply to devices with different voltages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the voltage conversion function is integrated into the power supply control box, then power supply to devices with different operating voltages is achieved, but the arrangement of the voltage conversion function lacks optimization and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply to devices with different voltagesVSAvoidarrangement of voltage conversion function
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent circuit branches, each capable of receiving power from the power supply terminal. The voltage conversion function is separated as an independent module that can be selectively connected to specific branches, rather than being integrated into a single complex control box. This segmentation allows for optimized arrangement and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage conversion module is designed with detachable connections to the circuit branches, allowing it to be dynamically connected or disconnected based on the specific power supply needs. This dynamic configuration enables flexible adaptation to different device voltage requirements without permanently increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple circuit branches are provided for different power supply systems, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of adapting to device specification changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidadaptation to device specification changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into multiple independent branches with standardized connection interfaces. Each branch can be independently configured and modified without affecting other branches, making it easier to adapt to device specification changes while maintaining power distribution flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit branches are designed with universal connection standards and compatible interfaces, allowing the same branch structure to serve multiple different devices with varying voltage requirements. This universality simplifies manufacturing adaptations when device specifications change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If the voltage converter is detachably provided from the power supply systems, then ease of repair and modification is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodification of voltage conversion moduleVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable connection system employs dynamic connection mechanisms with built-in contact protection features. The connection interfaces are designed to maintain stable electrical contact during operation while allowing easy detachment when needed, thus achieving both ease of repair and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interfaces incorporate protective measures such as contact protection structures and stable connection mechanisms that prevent degradation or failure before detachment is needed. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable connections during operation while maintaining ease of modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution allows for efficient power distribution to devices with varying voltages, protecting the system from overcurrent, and facilitating easy adaptation to changes in device specifications or additions, thereby optimizing power supply efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage converter that is detachably provided from at least one of the plurality of power supply systems in the circuit branch portion, and converts a voltage of the power supplied from the power supply into a second voltage lower than the first voltage to output the second voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4523975B1Electronic component unit and wire harness
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP4523975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4523975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4523975B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic component unit (10) applied to a wire harness (WH) includes a power supply terminal (11) that is connected to a power supply (B2) mounted on a vehicle (V) and capable of supplying power at a first voltage (V1), a circuit branch portion (13) that is connected to the power supply terminal (11) to branch power supplied from the power supply (B2) into a plurality of power supply systems (PL), and a voltage converter (15) that is detachably provided from at least one of the plurality of power supply systems (PL) in the circuit branch portion (13), and converts a voltage of the power supplied from the power supply (B2) into a second voltage (V2) lower than the first voltage (V1) to output the second voltage (V2).