Electrical Connector Heating Device for Moisture Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors lack effective protection against moisture ingress into the mating cavity, which can lead to shorting of contacting sections and compromise the quality and security of the connector.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector with a heating device integrated into the insulative housing, adjacent to the contacting sections, that senses humidity and expels it using a heating fin to prevent shorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no protection is provided in front of the mating cavity, then the structure remains simple and open for mating, but moisture can enter the mating cavity and cause shorting of contacting sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of shortingVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is activated before moisture can cause shorting, preventing the harmful effect in advance. The sensor detects humidity levels and triggers the heating element to expel moisture proactively, rather than reacting after shorting occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device acts as an intermediary between the moisture threat and the contacting sections. Instead of directly protecting the contacts from moisture, the heating device creates a thermal field that actively expels humidity, serving as a mediating protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a heating device is added to remove humidity, then moisture protection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is integrated within the insulative housing, merging the moisture protection function with the existing structural component. This combination eliminates the need for separate protective housings or additional assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity despite adding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulative housing serves multiple functions: electrical insulation, structural support, and housing the heating device for moisture protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the heating device is located adjacent to the contacting sections, then humidity removal effectiveness is improved, but the risk of heat affecting the contacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidity removal efficiencyVSAvoidthermal impact on contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is positioned to create a localized thermal field specifically targeted at the mating cavity entrance where moisture enters. The insulation ensures the heat is concentrated where needed (at the cavity opening) without propagating to the contacting sections, achieving local quality control of thermal effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The insulative material serves as a thermal intermediary between the heating device and the contacting sections. It allows the heating device to operate at higher temperatures for effective moisture removal while preventing this thermal energy from reaching and potentially damaging the electronic contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively prevents moisture-induced shorting by continuously sensing and removing humidity from the mating cavity, ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical connector.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device (6) is insert-molded within the housing (1) and includes a heating fin (61) equipped with the sensor to sense the humidity thereabouts and generating heat to dry and expel such humidity therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule Heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9429360B2Electrical connector with heating device

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing with a plurality of contacts therein and a metallic shell enclosing said housing to form a mating cavity in which the contacting sections of the contacts are exposed upon a mating tongue of the housing, which extends in the mating cavity. A heating device is retained in the housing and located adjacent to the contacting sections of the contacts to expel humidity therefrom and away from the mating cavity.