Waterproof Connector Annular Sealing Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof connector structures face issues with excessive load generation and potential plastic deformation during assembly, leading to compromised waterproof performance, especially when foreign matter is present or when the axial length is at its tolerance limit.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof connector design featuring annular members with inclined outer surfaces that press against each other, allowing for elastic deformation within the elastic limit, eliminating the need for a rubber packing and reducing the outer diameter size, thereby preventing plastic deformation and enhancing assembly workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber packing is mounted on the inner housing to prevent water entry, then waterproof performance is improved, but the outer diameter size increases and insertion load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the rubber packing component from the waterproof structure. Instead of using a separate packing element, the waterproof function is achieved through the elastic deformation of the annular member itself, which presses against the mating housing to prevent water entry. This removes the need for additional space that would accommodate a packing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the waterproofing function with the structural annular member by giving it elastic properties. The annular member combines both structural support and sealing functions through its elastic deformation capability, eliminating the need for a separate packing component and reducing overall connector diameter.
2Reliability
If a rubber packing is pressed by the male housing during insertion, then waterproof performance is improved, but the insertion load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular member serves itself by using its own elastic properties to create the sealing action. During insertion, the annular member elastically deforms under the insertion load and automatically presses against the mating housing to create the waterproof seal, eliminating the need for a separate packing component that would require additional pressing force.
3Reliability
If the male housing is pressed against the seal plate with excessive load, then waterproof performance is maintained, but plastic deformation occurs and waterproof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The annular member provides beforehand cushioning through its elastic properties. During normal operation and insertion, the annular member absorbs and distributes loads elastically, preventing excessive concentrated forces that would cause plastic deformation. The elastic deformation acts as a cushion that protects the rigid housing structures from damaging stress concentrations.
4Ease of manufacture
If the axial length of housing is formed at the upper limit of tolerance, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but excessive load is generated during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the annular member by giving it elastic properties with specific curvature characteristics. This allows the system to accommodate variations in housing axial length within tolerance ranges without generating excessive insertion loads. The elastic deformation capability absorbs dimensional variations, maintaining acceptable insertion forces even when housing dimensions are at tolerance limits.
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 solution effectively maintains waterproof performance by distributing the load evenly and reducing the insertion force, allowing for miniaturization of the connector and improved assembly workability without the need for additional packing.
Implementation Method 1
the inner circumferential surface of the other annular member is elastically deformed by being pressed by the outer circumferential surface of the one annular member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In a waterproof structure of a connector (11), each of a pair of housings (17, 19) has a ring-shaped member (51, 81) projecting in the mating direction. An outer circumferential surface (81a) of one of the ring-shaped members (81) inclines so as to broaden radially outward from the tip toward the interior, and, during mating, presses on the inner circumferential surface of the other ring-shaped member (51). The curvature of the outer circumferential surface of a plurality of corners (109a to 109d) of the ring-shaped member (81a) is greater than the curvature of the outer circumference surface of other sites, and the angle of inclination of the outer circumferential surface of the former, with respect to the mating direction, is greater than the angle of inclination of the outer circumferential surface of the latter, with respect to the mating direction.