Waterproof Connector Cap With Dual Elastic Sealing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies for electronic devices require complex configurations and additional space to prevent water ingress, which complicates the design and increases the risk of water penetration.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a waterproof cap that includes a cap body with a first and second protruding portion made of elastic material. The first protruding portion is press-fitted into the insertion port, contacting the entire inner peripheral surface, while the second protruding portion is inserted into the connector, contacting at least two inner surfaces, providing a secure and watertight seal without the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lid member with claw portions and O-rings is used to prevent water ingress, then waterproofing is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated and additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cap is divided into two functional protruding portions: a first protruding portion that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the insertion port, and a second protruding portion that contacts the connector. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific waterproofing function independently, simplifying the overall configuration compared to conventional lid members with multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the waterproofing functions into a single integrated waterproof cap structure with two protruding portions, eliminating the need for separate lid members, O-rings, and claw portions used in conventional solutions. This consolidation reduces configuration complexity while maintaining effective waterproofing.
2Reliability
If a conventional lid member with protruding edge portions is used to prevent claw scratches, then the inner peripheral surface is protected, but the insertion port configuration becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The first protruding portion of the waterproof cap is designed to contact only the inner peripheral surface of the insertion port at specific locations, providing localized protection without requiring complex structural modifications to the insertion port. This localized contact approach simplifies the overall configuration compared to conventional edge portions that require protruding structures.
3Reliability
If additional space is provided for claw portions to be caught, then waterproofing is maintained, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second protruding portion of the waterproof cap serves multiple functions: it contacts the connector to maintain waterproofing, prevents the cap from falling off, and eliminates the need for additional catching spaces. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device space requirements compared to conventional designs that require dedicated spaces for claw portion engagement.
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 provides a simple and effective waterproofing mechanism that prevents water from entering the electronic device's housing, while maintaining a compact design without the need for complex configurations or additional space.
Implementation Method 1
a first protruding portion disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the cap body, continuously surrounding an entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface while protruding from the outer peripheral surface in a plane orthogonal to the fitting direction, and made of an elastic material; wherein when the waterproof cap is attached to the housing, the first protruding portion is press-fitted to the insertion port of the housing and contacts an entire periphery of an inner peripheral surface of the insertion port while being elastically compressed
Implementation Method 2
a second protruding portion disposed on the outer peripheral surface on a front end side of the cap body in the fitting direction from a position at which the first protruding portion is disposed, protruding from the outer peripheral surface in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction, and made of an elastic material, wherein the second protruding portion is inserted into the connector and contacts at least two inner surfaces of the connector facing each other while being elastically compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a connector, a housing having an insertion port, and a waterproof cap detachably attached to the housing to close the insertion port, the waterproof cap having a cap body, a first protruding portion continuously surrounding an entire periphery of an outer peripheral surface of the cap body, and a second protruding portion disposed on a front end side of the cap body in a fitting direction from a position at which the first protruding portion is disposed, when the waterproof cap is attached to the housing, the first protruding portion being press-fitted to the insertion port and contacting an entire periphery of an inner peripheral surface of the insertion port while being elastically compressed, the second protruding portion being inserted into the connector and contacting at least two inner surfaces of the connector facing each other while being elastically compressed.