Connector Integral Seal Design for Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable connectors, especially those with rotatable joints, face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal against water intrusion due to the complexity of additional parts like o-rings and sleeves, which can be improperly installed or worn out, leading to water penetration and subsequent corrosion and signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring an integral sealing portion with a circular groove and a mating nut configuration, where the sealing portion is an integral part of the connector body, providing a compressive seal without additional assembly steps and ensuring the coupling member can rotate freely while maintaining a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sealing components like o-rings and sleeves are used, then the connector can provide a seal against water intrusion, but the device complexity increases and the reliability decreases due to improper installation or wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function directly into the coupling member by integrating a sealing surface and sealing groove into the single component. This eliminates the need for separate o-rings and sleeves, reducing device complexity while improving reliability through a unified structure that cannot be improperly installed or wear out independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member provides its own sealing capability through the integrated sealing surface and groove, eliminating the need for additional sealing components. The sealing function is self-contained within the coupling member itself, reducing the number of parts that can fail or be installed incorrectly.
2Reliability
If multiple separate sealing parts are used, then the connector can seal against water, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional assembly steps and potential installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sealing function into the coupling member itself through integrated sealing surfaces and grooves, the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps. The single-component design allows for simpler installation without the risk of misaligning or improperly installing separate sealing elements like o-rings and sleeves.
3Reliability
If separate seals like o-rings are used, then the connector can prevent water intrusion, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to proper installation and positioning demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing groove and sealing surface directly into the coupling member as a unified structure. This eliminates the need for precise positioning and installation of separate sealing components, as the sealing geometry is built-in and cannot be misaligned during assembly.
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 integral sealing solution effectively prevents water intrusion and corrosion, reducing maintenance costs and signal disruptions by ensuring a reliable seal without relying on proper installation of separate seals, thus prolonging the life of the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
providing a compressive seal without additional assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided comprising a tubular connector body with a mating end, an end face at the mating end, an outer diameter, and a center axis. A circular groove in the end face defines a ring with a sealing surface, and a coupling member mates with the sealing surface. The coupling member has a mating end configured to connect with a separate device.