Airproof Connector Module With Elastic Sealing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industry computers are vulnerable to water and salt fog penetration through unwaterproofed I/O connectors, leading to increased short-circuit possibilities and system instability due to the lack of a waterproof design.

Innovation Solution

An airproof connector module comprising a casing with a connection hole and opening, featuring first and second connectors coupled to an adapting board, and first and second elastic sealing elements that fill the spaces between the connectors and the casing, creating a waterproof seal to prevent foreign matter penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If I/O connectors are added to enable connection with peripheral devices, then the adaptability and functionality of the industry computer are improved, but the waterproof performance deteriorates because the connection parts are not airproof

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidwaterproof performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector module is divided into separate components: a casing with connection holes, connectors, and elastic sealing elements. Each component performs a specific function, and they are assembled together to form a complete waterproof connection system. The sealing elements are segmented and placed at different locations to ensure comprehensive sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic sealing elements are introduced as intermediary components between the connectors and the casing. These sealing elements act as mediators that prevent water and salt fog from penetrating through the connection holes while still allowing electrical connections to be made. The sealing elements are pressed by pressing members to ensure tight sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the connector module uses tight sealing structures to prevent water penetration, then the waterproof performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated connector module. The casing, connectors, sealing elements, and pressing members are combined into one modular unit that can be easily installed and removed. This merging approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining comprehensive waterproof protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic sealing elements with flexible properties are used to create effective seals. The elasticity of these sealing elements allows them to deform and adapt to the connection interfaces, ensuring tight sealing without requiring complex rigid structures. The flexible nature of the sealing elements simplifies the overall design while maintaining waterproof performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If elastic sealing elements are added to fill spaces between connectors and casing, then the waterproof performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic sealing elements have self-sealing properties that automatically ensure waterproof protection. When the connectors are inserted into the casing, the elastic sealing elements are naturally compressed by the pressing members and deform to fill any gaps, creating an effective seal without requiring precise manual adjustment or complex assembly procedures. This self-service characteristic simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 airproof connector module effectively prevents water and salt fog from entering the electronic device, reducing the risk of circuit failures caused by pollution and maintaining system stability in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

The first elastic sealing element fills space between the first connector and the connection hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second elastic sealing element fills space between the second connector and the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7896691B2Electronic device and airproof connector module thereof

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 PEGATRON

AI summary

An electronic device and an airproof connector module thereof are provided. The electronic device is connected to a peripheral device by the connector module. The connector module includes a casing, an adapting board, a first connector, a second connector, a first elastic sealing element, and a second elastic sealing element. The adapting board is disposed in a containing space in the casing. The casing has a connection hole and an opening. The first connector is disposed at the connection hole, and the second connector is disposed at the opening. The first connector and the second connector are coupled to the adapting board. The first elastic sealing element fills space between the first connector and the connection hole. The second elastic sealing element fills space between the second connector and the opening.