Electrical Connector Shell Structure for Waterproof Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with opening slots in the main shell suffer from poor waterproof performance, which compromises their reliability in wet environments.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a main shell with elastic arms extending rearward, each with a hook that abuts against a fixing member of the conductive assembly, and a limiting member sandwiched between the elastic arms and the receiving cavity, enhancing waterproof sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If opening slots are provided in the main shell for terminal assembly installation, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the waterproof performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof seal member (grommet) is introduced as an intermediary component between the opening slot and the terminal assembly. This grommet fills the gap created by the opening slot, preventing water ingress while maintaining the ease of assembly benefit. The seal member acts as a mediator that reconciles the contradiction between open structure for easy assembly and closed structure for waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof seal member is made from a flexible elastomeric material that can deform to accommodate the terminal assembly during insertion and then seal against the opening slot. This flexible film-like structure provides waterproof protection without compromising the assembly process, as it can be easily installed and adapted to the terminal assembly geometry.
2Reliability
If elastic arms with hooks are used to secure the conductive assembly, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms provide a dynamic fixing mechanism that automatically adjusts to the conductive assembly during insertion. The elasticity allows the arms to deform during assembly and then maintain constant contact pressure for secure fixation. This dynamic behavior provides reliable fixing without requiring complex mechanical fasteners or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms with hooks provide self-aligning and self-fixing functionality. During insertion, the arms naturally deform and then snap into position, automatically securing the conductive assembly without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining high fixing reliability.
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
This design significantly improves the waterproof performance of the electrical connector by preventing water ingress through the elastic arms and limiting member configuration, ensuring reliable operation in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the main shell has plural elastic arms extending rearward in the receiving cavity and each elastic arm has a hook, the conductive assembly has a fixing member radiating therearound, the hooks abut forwards against a rear face of the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: a main shell having a receiving cavity going through a front end and a rear end thereof; a conductive assembly received in the receiving cavity and comprising an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a cable electrically connected with the inner conductor and the outer conductor; and a limiting member; wherein the main shell has plural elastic arms extending rearward in the receiving cavity and each elastic arm has a hook, the conductive assembly has a fixing member radiating therearound, the hooks abut forwards against a rear face of the fixing member, and the limiting member is sandwiched between the elastic arms and an inside of the receiving cavity.