Elastomer Seal Spring for Connector Sealing and Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental seals in electrical connector systems often require separate geometries for sealing and spring functions, limiting their dual functionality and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A seal spring made of silicone or EPDM rubber with elastomeric properties that provides both sealing and spring functions, allowing it to act as an environmental seal and a spring without being defined by geometry, and is capable of interacting with multiple components within a connector assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate geometries are used for sealing and spring functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases and dual functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and spring function into a single integrated seal spring component. The seal spring simultaneously provides environmental sealing and spring force to maintain contact pressure on contacts, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and spring mechanisms. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal spring is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides environmental sealing to prevent ingress of contaminants, generates spring force to maintain contact pressure on electrical contacts, and accommodates dimensional variations in the connector assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while improving reliability.
2Force
If the seal spring is compressed and deformed to provide spring force, then contact pressure is enhanced, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal spring features localized sealing surfaces positioned at specific locations along its body. These sealing surfaces are designed to maintain contact with housing surfaces even when the seal spring is compressed to generate spring force. The local quality of the sealing surfaces ensures that sealing effectiveness is preserved while the overall component provides enhanced contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal spring is designed to dynamically adapt its shape and compression state based on assembly conditions. During assembly, it can be compressed to provide spring force and maintain contact pressure, while its elastomeric properties allow it to recover and maintain sealing contact. The dynamic behavior allows simultaneous achievement of both force generation and sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seal spring interacts with multiple components, then versatility is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal spring is designed as a universal component that can interact with multiple different components within the connector assembly, including housing surfaces, contacts, and positioning features. This versatility is achieved through its elastomeric properties and geometric design that accommodate various assembly configurations, reducing the need for component-specific sealing solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal spring's elastomeric properties and durometer specification are optimized to provide consistent performance across different assembly conditions and component variations. By adjusting material parameters rather than geometric complexity, the seal spring achieves versatility in interacting with multiple components while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.
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 seal spring effectively seals against external and internal components, providing enhanced contact pressure and maintaining its sealing and spring functions across various configurations, ensuring reliable performance in connector assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The seal spring of the present invention has a dual functionality. In use, the seal spring provides both a sealing property and spring function within an electrical connector assembly. The sealing property of the seal spring can also provide an environmental seal when located within a connector assembly, housing, or other similar use within a connector system. This dual functionality in use, when the seal spring simultaneously acts as both a seal and a spring, is accomplished by its elastomeric qualities.
Implementation Method 2
The seal spring will be compressed and deformed, pressing against a tab or tabs of an outer housing of the connector assembly and acting as a spring against the tab or tabs. The seal spring is compressed and deformed into an inner cavity of the outer housing when a third outer housing presses the seal fully into the outer housing and the tab or tabs compresses and deforms an inner surface of the seal spring
Data Source
AI summary
The seal spring of the present invention has a dual functionality. The seal spring provides both a sealing property and spring function in use within an electrical connector system, which is accomplished by its elastomeric qualities. The seal spring is preferably comprised of Silicone, EPDM rubber or materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use, or the like. The seal spring of the present invention is not limited or defined into a spring section or a seal section by its geometry. Shown is an implementation of the seal spring within an outer housing and connector assembly. The seal spring compresses and provides adequate spring force against a tab or tabs within the outer housing. The seal spring also functions as an interface seal and an environmental seal during use. The seal spring is, substantially, in its entirety, of a contiguous and continuous single construction. No part or section of the seal spring is made up of welded, soldered, or brazen part or section.