Connector Housing Labyrinth Grooves Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices struggle to prevent liquid intrusion from entering the clearance between the casing and housing, which can then reach the board side along the upper surface of the housing, compromising waterproofness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector with a labyrinth or meandering liquid retaining portion on the housing's liquid collecting surface, which includes interconnected longitudinal and horizontal grooves, effectively retaining and discharging liquid away from the board side, and a water-blocking protrusion on the casing's edge to prevent liquid intrusion into the clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drip-proof sheet is used to prevent liquid intrusion through the clearance between casing and housing, then waterproofness is improved, but liquid can still enter along the upper surface of the housing and reach the board side
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid collecting surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a liquid retaining portion with labyrinth grooves that captures and holds liquid, and a discharge portion that directs liquid away from the board. This segmentation prevents liquid from reaching the board side while maintaining waterproofness.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid retaining portion acts as an intermediary structure between the clearance (where liquid enters) and the board side. It captures liquid in the labyrinth grooves and redirects it through the discharge portion to the side surface, preventing direct contact with the board.
2Ease of manufacture
If the liquid retaining portion has a simple straight groove configuration, then manufacturing is easier, but liquid retention capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves in the liquid retaining portion are configured in labyrinth or meandering patterns rather than straight lines. This curved, winding path increases the total groove length and liquid retention capacity while remaining manufacturable using conventional molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove pattern transitions from a one-dimensional straight line to a two-dimensional labyrinthine path across the liquid collecting surface. This dimensional expansion increases the effective groove length and liquid holding capacity without significantly increasing 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
This configuration significantly enhances the prevention of liquid intrusion to the board side by retaining and discharging liquid efficiently, ensuring improved waterproofness and reliability in preventing liquid ingress along the upper surface of the housing.
Implementation Method 1
At least one liquid retaining portion is provided on a liquid collecting surface of the housing and has a labyrinth or meandering shape. According to this configuration, a total groove length of the liquid retaining portion is long due to its labyrinth or meandering shape. Thus, more liquid can be retained
Implementation Method 2
The liquid retaining portion may reach a side surface of the housing. Thus, liquid retained in the liquid retaining portion reaches the side surface of the housing and can be discharged to outside of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) has terminal fittings (11) extending from a housing (12) and connected to a board (50). A casing (51) is mounted on the side of an upper surface (12U) of the housing (12) and covering the board (50). Liquid retaining portions (28) are formed on the upper surface (12U) of the housing (12) by connecting longitudinal grooves (29) extending in a front-back direction and horizontal grooves (31) extending in a lateral direction. Thus, the connector (10) prevents the intrusion of liquid to the board (50) along an upper surface of the housing (12).