Adapter Sealing Ring for IP65 Connector Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical couplings between connectors and sockets in electronic measurement devices often fail to meet the IP65 standard, particularly in moist and dirty environments, due to inadequate sealing against debris and fluid intrusion.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a sealing ring is used to enhance the sealing between connectors and sockets, featuring a protrusion with an outer surface and a through hole that includes a sealing ring, which compresses between the socket's inner wall and the adapter's protrusion, preventing fluid and debris from interfering with the electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard connector is used without additional sealing components, then the device structure remains simple, but the electrical coupling fails to meet IP65 protection standards against fluid and debris intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is nested within the adapter body, specifically positioned in a groove or recess of the adapter. This nested configuration allows the sealing ring to be integrated into the adapter structure without adding external protrusions or separate mounting components, thereby achieving IP65 protection while maintaining relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring acts as an intermediary element between the adapter and the connector. It provides the sealing function that neither the adapter alone nor the connector alone can achieve, mediating the interface between these two components to prevent fluid and debris intrusion while maintaining electrical connectivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If connectors are directly inserted into sockets without an adapter, then the coupling is simple, but adequate sealing against fluid and debris cannot be achieved in moist and dirty environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is made of elastomeric material, which is a flexible polymer that can deform to conform to the mating surfaces of the adapter and connector. This flexibility allows the sealing ring to effectively block fluid and debris intrusion paths while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, protecting against harmful environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: the adapter body (likely rigid plastic or metal), the elastomeric sealing ring (flexible polymer), and the connector components. This composite structure achieves both mechanical strength and sealing functionality, preventing harmful factor intrusion while maintaining structural integrity
3Reliability
If the sealing ring is positioned close to the connector interface, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the lead spacing requirements may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealing zone where the sealing ring is positioned close to the connector interface for effective sealing, and a lead passage zone where leads can be routed with adequate spacing. This segmentation allows the sealing ring to be positioned optimally for sealing effectiveness without compromising lead spacing requirements in other areas of the adapter
4Reliability
If the adapter includes a sealing ring and protrusion structure, then IP65 protection is achieved, but the adapter design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring, protrusion structure, and adapter body are merged into a single integrated component. The sealing ring is positioned within a groove or recess of the adapter body, and the protrusion is formed as part of the adapter's overall structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing components and simplifies manufacturing while achieving IP65 protection standards
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 adapter ensures that the electrical connection meets the IP65 standard by minimizing fluid and debris intrusion, thereby protecting the electronic device from environmental hazards and maintaining reliable operation in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing ring located on the outer surface of the protrusion... The sealing ring is compressed between an inner wall of the socket and the outer surface of the protrusion of the adapter
Data Source
AI summary
Generally described, embodiments are directed to an adapter for use with one or more connectors for coupling to an electronic device. The adapter receives the one or more separate connectors to form a connector assembly that is configured to be inserted into one or more sockets of an electronic device, such as an energy logger device. In at least one embodiment, the adapter includes one or more sealing rings that improve the sealing between the respective one or more connectors and one or more sockets to improve the integrity of the electrical coupling therebetween.