Breathable Connector Cover Venting to Prevent Liquid Stay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid intrusion between the cover body and shield shell can lead to liquid stay on the breathable film, which is not effectively addressed in conventional connectors for vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a breathable film covered by a cover body featuring inner and outer discharge ports orthogonal to the axial direction, allowing liquid to be discharged from the inner and outer peripheral sides, thereby preventing liquid from reaching the breathable film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breathable film is used to cover the vent, then gas passage is allowed and liquid passage is inhibited, but liquid may still intrude between the cover body and shield shell and stay on the breathable film surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cover body is divided into inner wall and outer wall portions, creating inner and outer discharge ports that segment the liquid discharge path. This segmentation allows liquid to be discharged from multiple locations, preventing accumulation on the breathable film while maintaining the overall waterproof sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge ports are configured to discharge liquid in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector. This dimensional change in liquid discharge direction enables liquid to be expelled laterally rather than axially, effectively preventing liquid from staying on the breathable film surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover body completely seals the vent, then liquid intrusion is prevented, but gas exchange between inside and outside is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable film is selectively applied only to the vent region where gas exchange is needed, while the inner and outer walls provide liquid barrier functions in different locations. This local differentiation allows the vent to maintain breathability for gas exchange while the discharge ports provide liquid protection in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable film acts as an intermediary element that selectively permits gas passage while blocking liquid passage. It mediates between the need for gas exchange and liquid protection, allowing the vent to remain open for breathing while the film prevents liquid intrusion.
3Volume of moving object
If the inner wall and outer wall are positioned close together, then the connector size is reduced, but liquid may more easily reach the breathable film
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid discharge function is segmented into two separate systems: inner discharge ports on the inner wall and outer discharge ports on the outer wall. This segmentation ensures that even when the walls are close together, liquid can be discharged from both surfaces, preventing accumulation and reach to the breathable film.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge ports are positioned to provide excessive discharge capability - the inner discharge ports discharge from the inner wall surface while outer discharge ports discharge from the outer wall surface. This partial redundancy ensures that liquid is discharged before it can reach the breathable film, even in the compact configuration.
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 design effectively suppresses liquid stay on the breathable film by facilitating its discharge, ensuring the connector's integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The breathable film has waterproofness and breathability. The passage of gases through the vent is allowed and the passage of liquids is inhibited by the breathable film.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector according to the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of terminals, a plurality of wires, a housing including a tubular portion having an opening, and a cover for covering the opening by being inserted into the tubular portion. The cover includes a cover body having a vent, and a breathable film for covering the vent. The cover body includes an inner wall surrounding an outer periphery of the breathable film and an outer wall located on an outer peripheral side of the inner wall and surrounding an outer peripheral edge of the cover body. The inner wall includes an inner discharge port allowing communication between inside and outside of the inner wall in a direction orthogonal to a Z-axis direction. The outer wall includes an outer discharge port allowing communication between inside and outside of the outer wall in a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction.