Conductive Path Elastic Sheath Protrusions Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing shielded connectors require multiple waterproof plugs for each electric wire, increasing component count and production costs, and complicating the assembly process due to the need for pre-attachment of waterproof plugs before connecting terminal fittings.

Innovation Solution

A conductive path with an elastic resin sheath having protrusions that form a watertight seal when inserted into the connector, eliminating the need for separate waterproof plugs by directly adhering to the connector's inner walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If waterproof plugs are attached to each electric wire to maintain water tightness, then water tightness is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater tightnessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waterproofing function with the electric wire structure by integrating a waterproof coating directly onto the wire surface. This eliminates the need for separate waterproof plugs, reducing component count while maintaining water tightness through the coated protective layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof coating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides water tightness protection, acts as an insulating layer, and protects the conductor from corrosion. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-purpose waterproof plug with a more efficient integrated solution

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

2Reliability

If waterproof plugs are pre-attached to electric wires before connecting terminal fittings, then water tightness is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater tightnessVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof coating is applied in advance during the wire manufacturing process rather than requiring pre-attachment of separate plugs. This preliminary action ensures water tightness is built-in from the start, eliminating additional assembly steps and improving productivity without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple waterproof plugs are used for each electric wire, then water tightness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater tightnessVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective waterproof coating material that can be applied directly to the wire during manufacturing. This approach uses cheaper materials and processes compared to assembling separate waterproof plugs, reducing production costs while maintaining the necessary water tightness protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 reduces the number of components and production costs while improving workability by maintaining a watertight seal without additional waterproof plugs, enhancing the assembly efficiency and durability of the shielded connectors.

Implementation Method 1

the sheath is made of a resin composition having elasticity, and protrusions are convexly protruded from an outer peripheral surface of the sheath and have elasticity so as to be deformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9337565B2Conductive path
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 YAZAKI CORP
  • US9337565B2 patent drawing
  • US9337565B2 patent drawing
  • US9337565B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a conductive path. The conductive path includes a conductor and a sheath. The sheath covers the conductor. The sheath is made of a resin composition. The resin composition has elasticity. There are formed protrusions which are convexly protruded from an outer peripheral surface of the sheath of the conductive path and have elasticity so as to be deformed.