Connector Opening Step Design for Water Intrusion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors allow water intrusion into the case body through openings, which can compromise the integrity of electrical connections and the prevention of rainwater ingress, especially when splashed on the connector holder.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a vertical partition wall and an opening that has a step configuration where the upper edge is positioned more forward than the lower edge, accompanied by an eave projecting forward, and an inclined surface to guide water away from the opening, preventing water intrusion into the board side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an opening is provided in the partition wall for molding the cam pin, then the cam pin can be molded, but water can intrude through the opening into the board side
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is designed with a stepped configuration where the upper edge is positioned more forward than the lower edge, creating a vertical dimension difference that prevents water intrusion while maintaining the molding function
Solution Approach 2:
The opening that could potentially allow water intrusion is converted into a water-draining structure by positioning it above the partition wall and inclining it downward, transforming the harmful effect into a beneficial water drainage function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper partition wall and lower partition wall are shifted in the front-rear direction to arrange the partition wall above the opening, then water intrusion is suppressed, but the housing is enlarged in the front-rear direction
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is segmented into upper and lower parts with different horizontal positions, creating a stepped structure that suppresses water intrusion without requiring overall housing enlargement
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall utilizes vertical positioning and horizontal shifting to create a three-dimensional stepped structure, solving the water intrusion problem without increasing the housing length in the front-rear direction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the eave interferes with the lever during connection and separation, then the connection and separation operations are hindered, but the eave is needed to prevent water intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
A clearance is provided between the eave and lever only in the specific region where interference would occur during connection and separation operations, while maintaining the eave's water prevention function in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The clearance between the eave and lever is designed to be dynamic, allowing relative movement during connection and separation operations to prevent interference while maintaining water protection when connected
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 suppresses water intrusion into the board side through the opening while maintaining a compact housing size and ensuring smooth connection and disconnection operations.
Implementation Method 1
An upper surface of the eave may be an inclined surface inclined down with distance from the partition wall. According to this configuration, the inclined surface guides water adhering to the eave forward and away from the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A male connector (10) to be covered together with a board (P) by a case (C) with the male connector (10) connected to the board (P). The male connector (10) includes a male housing (11) connectable to a female connector (60) and including a back wall (25A) partitioning between the outside of the case (C) on the side of the female connector (60) and the inside of the case (C) on the side of the board (P) while extending in a vertical direction. The back wall (25A) has an opening (26) open in a connecting direction of the female connector (60) and allowing communication between the outside and inside of the case (C). A step is provided on an edge of the opening (26) so that an upper edge (26A) of the opening (26) is more forward than a lower edge (26B) of the opening (26).