Arc-Shaped Sealing Elements for Asymmetric Pressure in Electrical Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical socket and plug systems are vulnerable to contamination and moisture, particularly under asymmetric pressure conditions, where annular seals can become compressed unevenly, leading to a loose seal in some areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of arc-shaped sealing elements that redirect asymmetric pressure to specific sections of the socket-plug interface, ensuring a consistent seal by compressing only the perimeter section they are designed to protect, thereby preventing loosening in other areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If annular seals are used to protect the socket-plug system, then the seal provides protection against symmetric hydrostatic pressure, but under asymmetric pressure conditions the seal becomes compressed unevenly causing loosening in some areas
Solution Approach 1:
The annular seal is divided into multiple independent arc-shaped sealing elements arranged around the socket-plug interface. Each arc element seals only a specific portion of the perimeter and independently relays pressure forces to its designated section, preventing uneven compression and maintaining seal integrity under asymmetric pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Each arc-shaped sealing element is designed to handle pressure forces locally at its specific perimeter section. The sealing elements have different orientations and positions tailored to their respective locations around the interface, allowing each to optimally respond to pressure from its direction without affecting other sections
2Force
If the seal is subjected to asymmetric pressure, then the seal experiences compressed forces from one direction, but the mechanical response causes loosening pressure in some portions of the annular structure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into multiple arc-shaped elements that independently manage pressure forces. Each element compresses only its specific perimeter section against the plug surface and does not transmit forces to other sections, eliminating the loosening effect that occurs in continuous annular seals under asymmetric pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are designed as asymmetric arc shapes rather than a continuous symmetric annular structure. This asymmetry allows each element to be optimally oriented for its specific location and pressure direction, enabling effective sealing under asymmetric pressure conditions without the uniform compression problems of symmetric annular seals
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 solution maintains a watertight seal under both symmetric and asymmetric pressure conditions, effectively preventing moisture ingress and ensuring reliable operation of portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sealing element is arranged to compress radially against the longitudinal plug axis thereby tightening the seal of the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A water and/or airtight electrical socket for portable electronic devices includes sealing elements that are shaped like an arc, and arranged to seal only a portion of the perimeter of the socket-plug interface. When this arc element experiences pressure, it will mechanically relay the force caused by the pressure only to that section of the perimeter of the socket-plug interface that it is arranged to seal. It will not relay mechanical forces any further. This way, the mechanical effect of any extra asymmetric pressure will simply be limited to increasing the pressure of the seal in the perimeter section of that particular sealing element, thereby tightening the seal further still. This allows the socket opening to be sealed in a water- and/or airtight manner even in asymmetric pressure conditions, both when there is no plug in the socket and also when a plug is inside the socket.