Connector Sealing Feature With Inwardly Projecting Rings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic data acquisition systems face challenges in forming reliable electrical connections in open environments, particularly due to exposure to dirt, moisture, and rough handling, which can degrade data quality and connection reliability.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a connector body with an insulator and multiple passages defined by inwardly projecting rings, allowing for a plug with male contacts to form a liquid-tight seal by using a combination of 'cork and bottle' and compression sealing modes, reducing the force required for connection and enhancing protection against environmental hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sealing arrangements are used in connectors, then environmental protection is provided, but connection reliability degrades under rough handling and the force required for connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing feature is divided into multiple independent sealing elements (first sealing element and second sealing element) that can deform independently. Each sealing element engages with corresponding features on the mating connector, allowing the sealing function to be distributed across multiple points rather than requiring a single high-force connection point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements are made from elastomeric material that changes its physical parameters (deforms) under compression to create the seal. The material properties are selected to provide adequate sealing at reduced insertion forces, and the deformation characteristics change based on the compression applied during connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If robust sealing arrangements are implemented, then environmental protection improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental protectionVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing feature integrates multiple sealing functions into a single component structure. The first and second sealing elements are formed as part of the same elastomeric component that also provides structural support and alignment features, combining sealing, mechanical support, and positioning functions in one element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric sealing feature serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides environmental sealing, mechanical cushioning during connection, positional alignment between connectors, and structural support for the electrical contacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional connection methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but data quality degrades in harsh field conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing feature utilizes elastomeric material properties to create flexible sealing surfaces that conform to the mating connector geometry. This flexibility ensures reliable sealing in harsh field conditions while the elastomeric material can be manufactured using standard molding processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 connector provides a reliable and environmentally protected electrical connection with reduced insertion force, maintaining data quality and connection integrity even in harsh field conditions.

Implementation Method 1

each passage is at least partially defined by a plurality of inwardly projecting rings... each male contact has a tower shaped to sealingly seat within an associated passage in the insulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression sealing: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The sealing feature may include a first sealing element and a second sealing element, each made from an elastomeric material... the second seal is formed no earlier than when the first seal is formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8992243B2Sealing feature for use with connectors

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 INOVA LTD(GB)

AI summary

A connector for forming an electrical connection includes a connector body and an insulator disposed in the connector body. The insulator includes a plurality of female contacts and a plurality of passages. Each passage allows access to one of the female contacts and is at least partially defined by a plurality of inwardly projecting rings. The connector also includes a plug having a plurality of male contact male contacts complementary to the female contacts. Each male contact male contact has a tower shaped to sealingly seat within an associated passage in the insulator.