Waterproof Connector Seal Ring Positioning via Locking Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof structures for vehicle-side connectors face challenges in maintaining the seal ring's position during transportation and assembly, leading to potential positional deviations and inadequate sealing performance, requiring complex inspection processes to verify leakage.
Innovation Solution
A seal ring with a retaining portion featuring a locking head that fits into a locking hole on the retainer, ensuring proper positioning and secure retention, along with a seal ring design providing constant thickness and frictional resistance for smooth mounting and enhanced adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the seal ring is held only by frictional engagement on the fitting tube, then the structure remains simple, but the seal ring may be displaced during transportation due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure is divided into separate functional elements: the retaining portion with locking head on the seal ring, and the corresponding locking hole in the retainer. This segmentation allows the seal ring to be securely retained through positive locking rather than relying solely on frictional engagement, preventing displacement during transportation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring is pre-mounted on the fitting tube of the retainer before the retainer is installed into the housing. The retaining portion and locking head are prepared in advance on the seal ring, ensuring proper positioning is established before final assembly. This preliminary action prevents positional deviation during subsequent handling and installation processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the seal ring is mounted without a retaining mechanism, then the assembly process is simple, but small positional deviations are difficult to confirm visually and require leakage inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking head provides a visual indicator through its position relative to the locking hole. When properly assembled, the locking head's position can be easily observed to confirm correct mounting of the seal ring. This visual feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex leakage inspection processes while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
3Strength
If the locking head is made to protrude laterally from both side edges of the retaining portion, then the retaining force is enhanced, but the locking head needs to be removed forcibly from the mold hole
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion is designed as a separate plate structure with the locking head protruding laterally from both side edges. This segmented design allows the locking head to engage with the locking hole from multiple directions, enhancing retaining force while the plate structure facilitates easier removal from the mold hole compared to a monolithic design.
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 solution ensures reliable sealing by preventing positional deviations and allowing for easy visual confirmation of proper mounting, simplifying the assembly process and eliminating the need for extensive leakage inspections.
Implementation Method 1
A seal ring (70) is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube (53) and is compressed resiliently between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube (53) and the inner peripheral surface of the rear opening (40A)
Implementation Method 2
The seal ring is fit on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube of the retainer while the locking head of the retaining portion is pushed into the locking hole
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing (20) with a terminal accommodation chamber (30). A retainer (50) covers a rear opening (40A) of the housing (20), and a fitting tube (53) on a front surface of the retainer (50) is fit into the rear opening (40A) of the housing (20). A seal ring (70) is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube (53) and is compressed between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube (53) and an inner peripheral surface of the rear surface opening (40A). A retaining portion (75) having a locking head (76) on a tip projects on a rear surface of the seal ring (70). A locking hole (62) is provided in a periphery of the retainer (50), the retaining portion (75) being passable through the locking hole, and the locking head (76) is locked to an edge of the locking hole (62) from behind.