Connector Waterproofing Member for Fewer Sealing Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic equipment connectors require multiple waterproofing components to maintain a seal, which can complicate manufacturing and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A single waterproofing member with multiple contact portions is used, sandwiched between the connector housing and the case, and the mating connector, providing a waterproof seal between the connector, case, and mating connector, thereby reducing the number of required waterproofing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple waterproofing components are used in the connector, then the waterproof seal reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof seal reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of waterproofing components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple waterproofing functions into a single integrated waterproofing member. This member includes a first waterproofing portion that seals between the connector housing and case, and a second waterproofing portion that seals between the connector housing and mating connector. By merging these functions into one component, the patent reduces the number of parts while maintaining comprehensive waterproof protection across all critical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproofing member is designed to perform multiple waterproofing functions simultaneously. It provides waterproof sealing at different locations and interfaces (between housing and case, and between housing and mating connector) through its integrated structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate waterproofing components for each interface, simplifying the overall connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple waterproofing components are used in the connector, then the waterproof seal reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof seal reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple waterproofing functions into a single integrated waterproofing member. This member includes a first waterproofing portion that seals between the connector housing and case, and a second waterproofing portion that seals between the connector housing and mating connector. By merging these functions into one component, the patent reduces the number of parts while maintaining comprehensive waterproof protection across all critical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproofing member is designed to perform multiple waterproofing functions simultaneously. It provides waterproof sealing at different locations and interfaces (between housing and case, and between housing and mating connector) through its integrated structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate waterproofing components for each interface, simplifying the overall connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively reduces the number of waterproofing components needed while maintaining a reliable seal, simplifying manufacturing and potentially lowering costs.

Implementation Method 1

The waterproofing member has an elastic property and is attached to the housing. The first contact portion is pressed against and in contact with the bottom portion in the first direction by the elasticity of the waterproofing member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4084234B1Electronic equipment
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • EP4084234B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4084234B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4084234B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electronic equipment comprises a case and a connector which is attached to the case. The connector comprises a housing and a waterproofing member. The waterproofing member is sandwiched by a mating connector and a side portion of the housing in a second direction when the connector is mated with the mating connector. The waterproofing member has at least one first contact portion, at least one second contact portion, at least one third contact portion and at least one fourth contact portion. The third contact portion is pressed against the side portion in the second direction by elasticity of the waterproofing member upon the mating of the connector with the mating connector. The fourth contact portion is pressed against and in contact with the mating connector in the second direction by the elasticity of the waterproofing member upon the mating of the connector with the mating connector.