Connector Housing Seal Structure Without Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices with U-shaped elastic seal members require complex housing structures and complicate the attachment process due to the need for locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector device design featuring a housing with an annular elastic seal member that encloses the entire periphery, held between two casings, eliminating the need for complex locking structures by utilizing a filling seal part to fill gaps between the casings and providing sealing without direct contact with the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a U-shaped elastic seal member is used, then sealing function is achieved, but the housing structure becomes complicated and attachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional U-shaped seal member into an annular (O-shaped) seal member that encloses the housing periphery. This inversion eliminates the need for locking structures because the annular seal naturally engages with the housing groove from all directions, achieving secure retention without additional locking parts and simplifying the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular elastic seal member functions as a flexible shell that can be easily deformed and attached to the housing. Its continuous环形 structure allows it to flexibly conform to the housing groove and maintain sealing pressure without requiring rigid locking mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If a U-shaped elastic seal member is used, then sealing function is achieved, but attachment process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Changing from U-shaped to annular seal member simplifies attachment because the annular shape can be directly placed into the housing groove without complex manipulation. The continuous circular structure naturally engages with the groove from all sides simultaneously, making the attachment process more straightforward and less error-prone compared to U-shaped seals that require precise orientation and locking.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking structures are added to retain the elastic seal member, then retention is improved, but housing structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The annular elastic seal member is designed to self-retain within the housing groove through its own elastic deformation. When installed, the seal member naturally compresses and engages with the groove walls from all directions, creating self-locking pressure without requiring external locking structures. This self-service mechanism eliminates additional housing components while ensuring stable retention.
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
Facilitates easy attachment of the elastic seal member to the housing, simplifies the housing structure, and achieves effective sealing without the need for complex locking mechanisms, reducing the amount of filling seal part required.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic seal member that is fitted to the housing... the elastic seal member is annular and encloses, when arranged in the holding groove, the housing over the entire periphery of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device 10 includes: a housing 30; a casing 20 that holds the housing 30; and an elastic seal member 60 that is fitted to the housing 30. The housing 30 has, on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a holding groove 37 that receives the elastic seal member 60. The casing 20 includes a first casing 20A and a second casing 20B that are combined with each other with the housing 30 interposed therebetween at a position corresponding to the holding groove 37. The elastic seal member 60 is annular and encloses, when arranged in the holding groove 37, the housing 30 over the entire periphery thereof, the elastic seal member 60 being arranged between the first casing 20A and the second casing 20B. Furthermore, a filling seal part 80 is provided to fill up any gap between the first casing 20A and the second casing 20B.