Connector Water Intrusion Suppression via Intermediary Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face issues with water intrusion from behind, which compromises the sealability of the cable seal, especially under high water pressure conditions such as during washing.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a housing with a rearward opening, a resilient locking lance, and a retainer with a water-wetting suppression wall that overlaps the second insertion hole when viewed from behind, preventing direct water intrusion through the second insertion hole by contacting the water-wetting suppression wall when the retainer is wetted from behind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer is mounted on the housing from behind with the cable seal accommodated in front, then the cable seal can be positioned to seal the opening, but water can intrude from behind and directly wet the cable seal, compromising sealability under high water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A water-wetting suppression wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the second insertion hole and the cable seal. This wall projects from the rear end part of the locking lance and overlaps the opening of the second insertion hole when viewed from behind, acting as a barrier that intercepts water before it can reach the cable seal, thereby maintaining sealability under high water pressure conditions
2Reliability
If the locking lance is made resiliently displaceable to hold the wire, then the wire can be securely retained, but water can still access the cable seal through the second insertion hole from behind
Solution Approach 1:
The water-wetting suppression wall serves as a protective intermediary that extends from the locking lance structure. It positions itself to overlap the second insertion hole opening, creating a water barrier that prevents direct water access to the cable seal while allowing the locking lance to maintain its wire-holding function through resilient displacement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the water-wetting suppression wall overlaps the second insertion hole opening when viewed from behind, then direct water intrusion is suppressed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water-wetting suppression wall is merged with the existing locking lance structure, projecting from its rear end part. This integration allows the suppression wall to perform its water-blocking function while utilizing the structural framework already present in the retainer assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to adding a completely separate component
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 configuration effectively suppresses direct water-wetting of the seal ring, enhancing the connector's water-tightness and preventing water intrusion into the housing.
Implementation Method 1
a locking lance disposed to face the wire, the locking lance being resiliently displaceable toward the wire
Implementation Method 2
the pressing portion resiliently displaces the locking lace toward the wire to resiliently bring the locking lace into contact with the wire by pressing the locking lace in a direction toward the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 10 includes a housing 12 provided with an opening 24, a cable 14 extending rearward from the opening 24, locking lances 44 resiliently displaceable toward the cable 14, and a retainer 16 to be mounted on the housing 12. The housing 12 includes cantilevered pressing portions 36 and the pressing portions 36 resiliently bring the locking lances 44 into contact with the cable 14 by pressing the locking lances 44 in directions toward the cable 14. The retainer 16 includes a base end wall 40 in which a first insertion hole 48 into which the cable 14 is inserted and second insertion holes 50 into which the pressing portions 33 are inserted are open, and water-wetting suppression walls 62 located behind the second insertion holes 50. The water-wetting suppression walls 62 have ranges overlapping insides of openings of the second insertion holes 50 when viewed from behind.