Electrical Connector Ramp System for Automatic Mat Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require manual compression of the mat seal during assembly, which can lead to cable damage and inefficient sealing, and lack an automatic mechanism for ensuring proper sealing of cables.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a mobile part guided by a transverse guide rail and a ramp system that automatically compresses the mat seal when assembled, ensuring efficient sealing of cables without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual compression of the mat seal is performed during assembly, then the sealing of cables can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and cable damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is pre-configured on the housing body to automatically compress the mat seal when the contact carrier is inserted. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures that the sealing action occurs automatically during the assembly process, eliminating the need for separate manual compression steps and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable cable sealing.
2Reliability
If manual compression of the mat seal is performed, then sealing can be achieved, but the risk of seal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system provides a pre-configured mechanical advantage that automatically controls the compression force applied to the mat seal. By designing the ramp geometry, the compression force is optimized to be sufficient for sealing while remaining controlled and uniform, preventing excessive force that could damage the seal material.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the contact carrier and the mat seal. Instead of direct manual compression, the ramp translates the insertion motion into controlled sealing force, distributing the load evenly and preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage the seal.
3Reliability
If a rotatory lever system is used for locking, then the connector can be locked to a counterpart connector, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and the locking function are merged into a single assembly motion. As the contact carrier is inserted along the insertion direction, the ramp system simultaneously performs both the sealing action (by compressing the mat seal) and the locking action (by engaging the lever system). This combination eliminates separate operations and reduces overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system is pre-configured to coordinate the sealing and locking actions during a single insertion motion. The geometric arrangement of the ramp and lever system ensures that sealing occurs first, followed immediately by locking, all within one continuous assembly operation, simplifying the overall process.
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 automatic compression of the mat seal during assembly enhances cable sealing efficiency while preventing damage to the seal, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without compromising the seal's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp system such that, when the mobile part is guided by the guide rail, the ramp system pushes the rear grid against the mat seal so as to compress the mat seal
Implementation Method 2
the ramp system pushes the rear grid against the mat seal so as to compress the mat seal. This longitudinal compression leads to a shrinking of the cable passages of the mat seal, so that efficient sealing with the cables are obtained
Data Source
AI summary
The electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a rear skirt extending rearward with respect to the rear face of the insulative housing, a mat seal disposed in the rear skirt against the rear face, a rear grid, disposed in the rear skirt, against the mat seal. The electrical connector includes a mobile part, a guide rail that is transverse to the front-rear direction (XX′), for transversally guiding the mobile part, and a ramp system such that, when the mobile part is guided by the guide rail, the ramp system pushes the rear grid against the mat seal so as to compress the mat seal.