Connector Gasket Retention Using Self-Locking Seal Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing sealing gaskets to substrates in electronic devices are costly and complex, requiring additional manufacturing steps and equipment, and often result in trapped dirt and moisture leading to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A system where the gasket defines recesses or protrusions that engage with complementary features on the substrate, allowing for mechanical fixation without additional fasteners or adhesives, using pre-formed gaskets with features like dovetail arrangements and fasteners to secure the gasket in place, reducing production costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If over-molding or dispensing methods are used to secure gaskets, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with self-retaining features (recesses, protrusions, interference fits) that allow it to secure itself to the substrate without requiring external fasteners, adhesives, or complex manufacturing processes. The gasket's own structure provides the retention mechanism, eliminating the need for additional bonding steps or materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and retention function are merged into a single integrated gasket component. The same gasket that provides the seal also contains the structural features (recesses, protrusions, interference fit elements) that provide retention, combining two functions into one element and eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms.
2Reliability
If over-molding or dispensing methods are used to secure gaskets, then sealing reliability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket secures itself through built-in retention features, eliminating the need for expensive secondary operations like over-molding or dispensing equipment. This self-retaining design reduces capital equipment requirements and operational costs while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The retention features are integrated into the gasket itself rather than requiring expensive permanent bonding processes, making the overall system more cost-effective.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners or adhesives are used to secure gaskets, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket provides its own retention mechanism through integrated features such as recesses that snap onto protrusions, interference fit elements, or mechanical retention structures. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners or adhesives, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and retention function are combined into a single gasket component with integrated retention features. The same element that creates the seal also provides the mechanical retention, eliminating the need for additional fastening components or bonding steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket assembly includes a substrate, such as a portion of a body of an electrical connector. The substrate defines a mating surface to which a gasket or gasket seal is mechanically fixed. The gasket defines at least one recess or other mounting feature thereon for engaging with a complementary feature of the substrate for fixing the gasket to the substrate. According to an embodiment, the gasket defines a sealing face or sealing wall opposing and/or abutting the mating surface of the substrate, and a sidewall extending from the sealing wall and defined about a perimeter thereof. The sealing wall and sidewall define a circumferential recess configured to receive a peripheral edge of the substrate for securing the gasket to and generally over the mating surface of the substrate.