Direction-Converting Connector Seal Layout for Damage-Free Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection direction converting connectors expose the seal member before fixation, leading to potential damage during handling, which complicates the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A connection direction converting connector with an attachment member and a shell that includes a frame-shaped seal member to protect the seal member from damage by sandwiching it between housing and shell surfaces, ensuring it remains hidden until fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seal member is attached to the fixation surface before fixation, then tight sealing can be achieved, but the seal member is exposed and may be damaged during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoiddamage to seal member
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is nested within the connector body, specifically positioned in a groove inside the housing. This nested configuration allows the seal member to be protected and concealed within the connector structure before fixation, preventing exposure and potential damage during handling, while still enabling it to perform its sealing function when the connector is assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is pre-installed and fixed to the inner surface of the housing at a position opposite the fixation surface before the connector assembly process. This preliminary action ensures the seal member is already in place and protected within the housing structure, eliminating the need to handle exposed seal members during the fixation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the seal member is exposed before fixation, then it can be positioned correctly, but handling becomes difficult and requires great care

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal member positioningVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is nested within the connector body structure, specifically positioned in a groove inside the housing. This nested configuration allows the seal member to be protected and concealed within the connector structure before fixation, preventing exposure and potential damage during handling, while still enabling it to perform its sealing function when the connector is assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is pre-installed and fixed to the inner surface of the housing at a position opposite the fixation surface before the connector assembly process. This preliminary action ensures the seal member is already in place and protected within the housing structure, eliminating the need to handle exposed seal members during the fixation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12444877B2Connection direction conversion connector and wire harness
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 YAZAKI CORP
  • US12444877B2 patent drawing
  • US12444877B2 patent drawing
  • US12444877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An attachment member 12 of a connection direction converting connector 1a includes a frame-shaped second seal member 124 configured to seal between: a frame-shaped housing-side opposing surface 122a-6 of the attachment housing 122 that surrounds the accommodation portion that contains a connection portion between an attachment terminal 121 and a connector terminal 112 and faces the shell 123; and a frame-shaped shell-side opposing surface 123k of the shell 123 that faces the housing-side opposing surface 122a-6.