Connector Seal Structure for Low-Deviation Waterproof Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector units face challenges in achieving both good sealing performance and reducing positional deviation of the seal member when connectors are fitted together, as increased packing thickness leads to excessive external forces that can cause damage or positional issues, while reduced thickness compromises sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit design where the first connector's fitting portion has a reduced thickness at the distal end with a recessed inner peripheral surface, allowing the seal member to be sandwiched between the attachment and fitting portions, reducing sliding friction and positional deviation, and extending the intrusion path for water prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the packing is increased to improve sealing performance, then the sealing property between connectors is improved, but the external force in the fitting direction increases causing positional deviation or damage to the packing
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is designed with non-uniform thickness: the distal end portion has reduced thickness while the base end portion maintains sufficient thickness for sealing. This local variation in thickness allows the packing to be compressed effectively for sealing while reducing the external force that causes positional deviation and damage during fitting.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of the packing is reduced to decrease external force in fitting direction, then positional deviation and damage to packing are reduced, but the sealing performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion has different thicknesses at different locations: the distal end portion is thinned to reduce harmful external forces, while the base end portion near the packing maintains adequate thickness to ensure proper sealing performance.
3Ease of operation
If the thickness of the fitting portion is reduced at the distal end portion, then sliding friction during fitting is reduced and positional deviation of seal member is minimized, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is designed with localized thickness reduction only at the distal end portion where it contacts the seal member during fitting, while maintaining sufficient thickness at the base end portion to preserve overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting portion is effectively segmented into two functional zones: the distal end portion with reduced thickness for smooth fitting and minimal friction, and the base end portion with sufficient thickness for structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector unit includes a first connector, a second connector and a seal member to be interposed therebetween. The first connector includes a fitting portion having a distal end portion. The second connector includes a fitted portion. A thickness of the fitting portion is reduced at the distal end portion with an inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion being recessed. The fitted portion includes an attachment portion to which the seal member is to be attached and a housing portion. When the first connector and the second connector are fitted to each other, the distal end portion is accommodated in the housing portion, and the seal member performs sealing between the fitting portion and the fitted portion by being sandwiched between the attachment portion and a portion of the fitting portion, the portion being provided further in a second direction than the distal end portion.