Waterproof Connector Shell Grooves Prevent Water Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterproof connectors face issues with thermal expansion differences between metal shells and resin housings, leading to separation and compromised waterproof integrity during soldering processes and improper fitting, which allows water ingress.
Innovation Solution
The integration of waterproof grooves or protrusions on the housing holding sections of the conductive members, such as shells and contacts, to create a barrier against water entry along the interface between the housing and the conductive members, ensuring effective sealing even under thermal stress or improper fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the connector is exposed to high temperature during soldering process, then the soldering can be completed, but the insulating resin adhering to the shell surface may separate due to thermal expansion difference
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof shaped section is formed in advance on the housing holding section before the thermal expansion occurs during soldering. This preliminary structural feature ensures that even if separation occurs later due to thermal stress, water cannot penetrate through the interface between the shell and housing.
2Ease of operation
If the mating connector is forcibly fitted in oblique direction, then the fitting can be completed, but high stress may separate the insulating resin from the shell surface
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof shaped section is pre-formed on the housing holding section to create a water barrier before any stress or separation occurs during improper fitting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof shaped section acts as a compensatory measure that cushions against the potential harm of water penetration, even when the connector undergoes stress from improper fitting that may cause resin separation.
3Reliability
If integral molding is used to prevent water entry, then waterproof property is improved, but thermal expansion difference causes separation and water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The interface between the shell and housing is segmented by the waterproof shaped section, which creates a water-blocking feature at the interface. This segmentation allows the shell and housing to maintain their integral molding while adding a specific water prevention structure at the critical interface zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof shaped section is formed locally at the housing holding section where it contacts the housing, creating a concentrated water barrier at the critical interface area without changing the overall integral molding structure.
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 formation of waterproof grooves or protrusions enhances the waterproof property between the housing and conductive members, preventing water ingress and maintaining the connector's sealing effectiveness despite thermal expansion differences and improper fitting.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof shaped section is formed at a surface of the housing holding section so as to block entry of water along an interface between the housing holding section and the housing
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the shell 1 adheres to the insulating resin making up the housing 3 and this prevents water from entering
Implementation Method 3
a metal material making up the shell 1 and a resin material making up the housing 3 are different in thermal expansion coefficient from each other and, therefore, when the connector is exposed to a high temperature environment during a soldering process
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof connector is configured in such a manner that the waterproof properties between a housing and electrically conductive members, such as a shell and contacts, are improved. This waterproof connector includes a housing having an insulating resin and at least one electrically conductive member formed integrally with the housing. The electrically conductive member has a connection section which is exposed from the housing and connected to a mating connector, a mounting section which is exposed from the housing and mounted to a circuit board, and a holding section which connects the connection section and the mounting section, and which is embedded in the housing. A waterproof shaped section for blocking the entry of water along the interfaces between the holding section and the housing is formed on the surface of the holding section.