Connector Water Drainage via Segmented Shield and Insulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors, such as those supporting Type-C USB standards, lack a drainage function, particularly in vehicles where water ingress is common, due to their small size and surface tension hindering water evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a second insulator on the outer side of the second shield member with communicating portions and a bent wall to guide water outwards, combined with a hydrophilic facing and bent wall to enhance drainage, and a suction path utilizing capillary action in the connector device to efficiently remove water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small connector design is used, then the connector size is reduced, but water drainage capability deteriorates due to surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a shield member with facing wall and bent wall for water guidance, a second insulator with first communicating portion for water egress, and a second insulator arranged on the outer side with second communicating portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions related to water drainage while maintaining overall compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent wall acts as an intermediary structure that receives water from the facing wall and directs it toward the communicating portions. The communicating portions serve as intermediary pathways that bridge the internal space and external environment, enabling water to escape without requiring large internal drainage chambers.
2Reliability
If communicating portions are formed in both the second shield member and second insulator, then water drainage is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple communicating portions distributed across different components (second shield member and second insulator). This segmentation creates redundant drainage pathways that enhance water removal efficiency while allowing each individual portion to be relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The communicating portions serve multiple functions: they provide water drainage pathways, maintain the protective barrier against flux and solder balls, and are integrated into the existing insulator and shield member structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated drainage components, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity.
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 prevents solder flux and water ingress, ensuring reliable drainage and preventing water accumulation within the connector and substrate, thus maintaining device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the surface tension of water makes drainage difficult
Implementation Method 2
a suction path utilizing capillary action in the connector device
Implementation Method 3
a suction path utilizing capillary action in the connector device to efficiently remove water
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and a connector device that are small and have a drainage function are provided. A connector includes: a contact; a first insulator; a first shield member; a second shield member having a tubular portion; and a second insulator. A first communicating portion that is in communication with the outside is formed in a lower wall of the tubular portion of the second shield member, the lower wall facing the second insulator. A second communicating portion that is in communication with the outside and the first communicating portion is formed in the second insulator. The first shield member has a facing wall that faces the first communicating portion, and a bent wall that is bent toward the second insulator from an end portion of the facing wall on an opposite side to the opening side.