Connector Assembly With Elastic Layer for Water and Dust Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face issues with water and dust ingress causing unintended short-circuits due to inconsistent mechanical spring-based connection systems, which can lead to unpredictable operation or damage.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly featuring elastic layers and shielding members to provide compressive forces and prevent foreign substances, ensuring stable electrical connections and protection from external factors, including electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical spring-based connection system is used to ensure electrical connection, then connection stability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to water and dust ingress causing short-circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidwater and dust ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an elastic layer (flexible membrane) that seals the connection interface between connectors. This flexible film prevents water and dust from entering the connection area while allowing the electrode to maintain electrical contact through the membrane, thus protecting against harmful factors without compromising connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the electrode and the external environment. It mediates between the need for electrical contact and the need for protection, allowing signal transmission while blocking harmful substances from reaching the electrode and circuit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pressure is increased on the mechanical spring to maintain connection, then connection stability is improved, but the spring restoring force is reduced or the spring cannot return to its initial position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidspring restoring force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring system with an elastic layer that provides continuous compliant pressure. The elastic layer deforms under compression and naturally returns to its original shape, providing consistent contact force without the risk of permanent deformation or loss of restoring force that plagues mechanical springs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the connection system by using an elastic material with appropriate modulus and thickness. This allows the system to maintain optimal contact pressure without exceeding the threshold that would cause permanent deformation, thus maintaining both connection stability and force recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the connector structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against foreign substances and electromagnetic interference is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structure simplicityVSAvoidforeign substance and electromagnetic wave ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against water and dust, maintains electrical contact through compliant pressure, and can be integrated with conductive shielding materials to block electromagnetic interference. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive protection without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structures where the elastic layer can be combined with conductive materials for electromagnetic shielding. This composite approach provides both mechanical sealing and electromagnetic protection in an integrated manner, achieving enhanced protection without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 connector assembly maintains consistent pressure for stable electrical connections, prevents foreign substance ingress, and shields against water, dust, and electromagnetic waves, enhancing the reliability and durability of portable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

the first elastic layer is configured to provide a compressive force to the first electrode when the first connector body engages the second connector body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The shielding member may be configured to block external electromagnetic waves entering the first electrode and the second electrode upon the first connector body engaging the second connector body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS9966684B2Connector assembly

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A connector assembly includes a first connector body, a first elastic layer disposed on the first connector, a first electrode disposed on the first elastic layer, a second connector body, and a second electrode disposed on the second connector, wherein the first elastic layer is configured to provide a compressive force to the first electrode when the first connector body engages the second connector body.