Connector Waterproof Structure Without Threaded Panel Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof structures for connectors require multiple O-rings and female screw holes, increasing component cost and manufacturing complexity, and restrict the material and thickness of the fixed member.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a flange part, screw receiving member, packing member, and O-ring configuration that seals ingress paths without needing female screw holes, allowing reliable fixation to various fixed members with reduced components and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional waterproof structure with multiple O-rings and female screw holes is used, then reliable waterproof sealing is achieved, but component cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single packing member. The packing member integrates the sealing function that was previously distributed across multiple O-rings, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining waterproof sealing reliability. This merging approach directly addresses the contradiction by simplifying the structure without compromising the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the conventional waterproof structure. By removing the requirement for female screw holes in the fixed member and consolidating sealing functions, the design reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while preserving the essential waterproofing capability through the optimized packing member and O-ring configuration.
2Strength
If conventional waterproof structure with female screw holes is used, then connector fixation is achieved, but material and thickness restrictions are imposed on the fixed member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fixation system that works with various fixed member materials and thicknesses. The screw receiving member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables connector fixation, and accommodates different fixed member types without requiring specific material properties or minimum thickness. This universality allows the same connector design to be adapted to different applications with varying material constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the fixed member to have female screw holes (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by providing male screw threads on the screw receiving member that engage with screws passing through the fixed member. This inversion eliminates material and thickness restrictions on the fixed member, as it no longer needs to accommodate internal threading, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining fixation strength.
3Reliability
If conventional waterproof structure with multiple O-rings is used, then sealing of multiple ingress paths is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single packing member that seals multiple ingress paths simultaneously. Instead of installing multiple separate O-rings for different sealing locations, the integrated packing member provides comprehensive sealing in one component, thereby reducing assembly steps, manufacturing time, and cost while maintaining reliable ingress path sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing member is designed with pre-formed sealing structures that are ready to seal multiple ingress paths upon installation. The preliminary design of the packing member incorporates the necessary sealing geometry and material properties to effectively seal multiple paths without requiring additional sealing components or complex assembly procedures, thus improving manufacturing efficiency.
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 design simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing while ensuring reliable waterproof fixation without material or thickness restrictions, maintaining a stable waterproof structure over time.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring interposed between the fixed member and the screw receiving member, and disposed along an edge of an opening of each of the screw insertion ports
Implementation Method 2
a packing member interposed between the fixed member and the flange part, and disposed along an edge of an opening of the connector insertion port
Data Source
AI summary
The waterproof structure of a connector includes fixed member provided with connector insertion port and a plurality of screw insertion ports, connector including a connector body and flange part, screw receiving member disposed facing a second surface of fixed member and into which fixing screw having passed through flange part and fixed member is screwed, packing member, and O-ring. Screw receiving member includes a plurality of screw fixing parts into which fixing screws are screwed without passing through corresponding screw fixing parts, and coupler that couples the plurality of screw fixing parts. The waterproof structure is formed in which O-ring seals an opening of each of screw insertion ports while fixing screw having inserted through screw insertion hole of flange part and the corresponding one of the screw insertion ports is screwed into corresponding one of screw fixing parts with O-ring interposed therebetween, and packing member is sandwiched between flange part and fixed member to seal an opening of connector insertion port with packing member.