Vehicle Door Connector Snap-Fit Sealing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional connector assemblies for passenger vehicle door systems are complex to assemble, require additional parts and holes, and have inadequate sealing due to the use of screws and unprotected seals, which are prone to damage from mechanical influences.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with an integrally formed locking mechanism for snap-fit mounting and an open sealing frame with a sealing member, where the sealing frame is made of a more rigid material to protect the sealing member and provide improved sealing reliability, eliminating the need for screws and reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the counter-connector to the pass-through hole, then the connector is securely fixed, but the assembly becomes more complicated and additional holes need to be sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates the fixation function directly into the connector housing, merging the previously separate screw fixation with the connector body into a unified snap-fit structure that locks onto the panel opening without requiring additional fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The screw fixation method is extracted and replaced with an integrated locking mechanism that uses elastic locking elements and latching features built into the connector housing itself, eliminating the need for separate screws and simplifying the assembly process
2Reliability
If screws are used for fixation, then secure mounting is achieved, but additional holes are created that require sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The separate sealing requirements generated by screw holes are extracted and eliminated by using the existing pass-through opening for both connector mounting and sealing purposes, preventing additional sealing needs
3Reliability
If a traditional grommet seal is used, then sealing is provided, but the seal is unprotected from mechanical influences and can be easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is positioned and protected by the connector housing structure before exposure to mechanical influences, with the housing acting as a protective barrier that shields the seal from external damage while maintaining the sealing function
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses a composite structure combining the rigid connector housing material with a flexible sealing member material, creating a layered protection system where the rigid outer layer protects the softer sealing layer from mechanical damage
4Reliability
If a complex grommet shape is used for sealing, then sealing coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate components: a simple structural frame made of rigid material and a flexible sealing member made of elastomeric material, allowing each component to be manufactured independently with simpler processes while achieving comprehensive sealing coverage when assembled together
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to connector assembly comprising a connector housing (30), and an open sealing frame (10) including a sealing member (20). The sealing frame and sealing member are made of different materials. The connector housing comprises integrally formed locking means (33), which are adapted to lock the housing to the opening (40) in a panel, in particular of a panel of a door or body of a vehicle. The sealing member has at least two sealing surfaces (22a, 23a, 23b, 24a). When the connector assembly is mounted to the panel, one sealing surface (23b, 24a) is in sealing contact with an outer wall of the connector housing (30) and one other sealing surface (22a, 23a) is in sealing contact with the panel (40).