Elastic Sealing Element for Watertight Electronic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic controls installed in wet areas, such as shower cubicles and bathtubs, face issues with watertightness and stability due to rigid mounting systems that can lead to disassembly and breakage under impact or stress, and existing solutions do not adequately address these concerns.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control with a watertight structure featuring a mounting base and control body connected by a sealing element with elastic properties, which absorbs axial displacements and impacts, using a bayonet-type closure to ensure secure anchoring and prevent involuntary disassembly, while maintaining watertightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting systems are used to ensure stability, then the control is securely fixed, but the system becomes vulnerable to disassembly and breakage under impact or stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing an elastic sealing element that can deform under stress. This element has specific elastic properties (compliance) that allow it to absorb impact forces while maintaining the sealed connection, transforming the rigid mounting into a compliant one that withstands mechanical shocks without disassembly or breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing element is pre-installed in the mounting structure to provide cushioning before impact occurs. This element absorbs and dissipates impact energy through elastic deformation, protecting the rigid mounting components from sudden shocks and preventing disassembly or breakage that would occur with purely rigid connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary structures are used for mounting, then the control can be fixed independently, but the system becomes complex and vulnerable to easy disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function and the sealing function into a single integrated elastic sealing element. This element simultaneously provides mechanical attachment (mounting) and water-tight sealing, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary mounting structures and simplifying the overall system while maintaining independent mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing element serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting anchor, a sealing barrier, and a shock-absorbing element. This multi-functional design replaces complex auxiliary mounting structures with a single component that performs all necessary functions, reducing overall system complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing means are interposed to prevent water entry, then watertightness is achieved, but the mounting system becomes rigid and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the sealing element from rigid to elastic. This elastic property allows the sealing element to deform under impact forces, absorbing energy and preventing breakage while maintaining the watertight barrier function. The material compliance is key to resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and impact resistance
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 provides a stable, watertight electronic control that withstands impacts and maintains secure anchoring, ensuring long-term integrity and ergonomic usability by absorbing manufacturing and operational stresses.
Implementation Method 1
there is at least one sealing element with elastic properties, wherein this sealing element is located between the coupling walls that are perpendicular to the insertion axis of the body in the mounting base or appreciably inclined
Implementation Method 2
in the position of mounting and normal use of the control, the sealing element is compressed exerting a force in the axial direction of the insertion axis of the control against the coupling walls
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic control of those which are preferably installed in wet areas, such as shower cubicles, bathtubs or water supply points in general, wherefrom the status of the water to be supplied is regulated and/or monitored. The invention is based on an electronic control with two main parts where one is the mounting base that is fixed on the installation surface, while the other part is the control body that is coupled to the base, advantageously having an elastic sealing element between the coupling walls, which keeps the walls separated on the insertion axis with a possible relative movement between the two parts.