Adapter Assembly Sealing Rings for Harsh Environment Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic assemblies fail to provide effective protection against dust, moisture, and electromagnetic interference (EMC) in harsh environments such as outdoor facilities and high-voltage systems, while also lacking flexibility for series connections.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates two adapter arrangements with sealing rings arranged one behind the other, made from different materials for enhanced protection, and a rotatable bracket for secure fastening, along with internal seals to prevent dust, moisture, and EMC ingress, allowing for flexible and secure series connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single sealing ring is used in the adapter housing, then the structure is simple, but the protection against dust, moisture, and EMC is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against dust, moisture, and EMCVSAvoidstructure of adapter housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent sealing rings arranged in series within the adapter housing. Each sealing ring addresses specific protection requirements (dust, moisture, EMC), allowing the system to achieve comprehensive protection while maintaining modular simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sealing rings are made from different materials optimized for different protection functions. One sealing ring may use material optimized for dust and moisture sealing, while another uses material optimized for EMC shielding, creating a composite sealing system that addresses multiple harmful factors simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapter housings are connected in series, then flexibility and expandability are improved, but the risk of dust, moisture, and EMC ingress at connection points increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseries connection capabilityVSAvoidprotection at connection points
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter housings are designed to nest within each other through recesses and protrusions, creating an interlocked configuration. The sealing rings are positioned within these nested interfaces to ensure continuous sealing protection even when multiple adapter housings are connected in series

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing rings are pre-installed and positioned within the adapter housing before connection. The fastening elements are pre-configured to automatically engage and compress the sealing rings when adapter housings are connected, ensuring protection is established before any potential ingress can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the bracket is fixed in position, then the fastening is simple, but the ability to lock securely to the web is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidfastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with rotational movement capability, transitioning from a basic position to a locked position where it engages with the web. This dynamic adjustment allows the bracket to adapt to the connection interface and achieve secure locking through rotational engagement rather than requiring complex multi-component fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2747213B1Adapter assembly
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO
  • EP2747213B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2747213B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP2747213B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The adapter arrangements (1,1') has adapter housings (11,11') that are respectively provided with an inner space whose two facing front ends (13,14) are provided with apertures and plug connectors (12,12'). The inner space of the adapter housing is accessible by the apertures. The terminal portion (111) is provided with the attaching units (23,23') for attaching the adjacent adapter arrangement and a sealing area (110) with two sealing rings (21,22) for sealingly positioning the electronic housing. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) adapter component; and (2) electronic component.