Connector Sealing Member Geometry to Prevent Misassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with erroneous assembly due to sealing members with positioning pieces smaller than those described in prior art, leading to incorrect mounting with the connector housing.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an annular sealing member with distinct first and second engaging projections and grooves, positioned to ensure correct alignment and prevent erroneous assembly by making it difficult to engage the sealing member with a housing of different dimensions or orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If positioning pieces are made smaller to reduce sealing member size, then the sealing member can be accommodated into positioning recesses, but erroneous assembly becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the first engaging projection and second engaging projection non-symmetric in shape and/or orientation. The first engaging projection has a different configuration than the second engaging projection, creating a unique engagement pattern that only fits the corresponding first and second engaging grooves in the correct orientation. This prevents erroneous assembly while maintaining compact sealing member dimensions.
2Reliability
If positioning pieces are made larger to prevent erroneous assembly, then assembly correctness improves, but the sealing member cannot be accommodated into the positioning recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The non-symmetric engaging projections allow for adequate engagement features without increasing the overall sealing member volume. The asymmetric design optimizes the distribution of material, providing sufficient engagement surface area for reliable positioning while keeping the external dimensions compact enough to fit within the accommodation groove.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric positioning pieces are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but erroneous assembly cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry in the engaging projections where the first engaging projection differs from the second engaging projection in shape, size, or orientation. This asymmetric configuration is molded directly into the sealing member, maintaining manufacturing simplicity through single-shot injection molding while effectively preventing erroneous assembly by creating a unique fit that only works in the correct orientation.
4Reliability
If non-symmetric engaging projections are used, then erroneous assembly is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and the engagement function into a single integrated structure. The first and second engaging projections are formed as integral parts of the sealing member body, eliminating the need for separate positioning pieces or additional assembly steps. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the non-symmetric configuration needed to prevent erroneous assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a housing including an inserting portion and an annular first sealing member to be mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the inserting portion. The first sealing member includes a sealing body and an engaging portion having a first engaging projection and a second engaging projection. The first and second engaging projections are provided at positions overlapping each other in a Z-axis direction. The first engaging projection projects more toward one side in a circumferential direction than the second engaging projection. The second engaging projection projects more toward the other side in the circumferential direction than the first engaging projection. An accommodation groove provided in the outer peripheral surface of the inserting portion includes a groove body and an engaged portion having a first engaging groove and a second engaging groove.