Electronic Cylinder Waterproof Structure Using Nested Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locks lack waterproofing, leading to malfunctions due to moisture infiltration, especially in humid environments, which compromises their durability and safety performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cylinder with a waterproof structure, featuring a motor filled with a waterproof filler (such as Polydimethylsiloxane) and equipped with waterproof rings and washers to prevent water ingress, ensuring the motor and other components remain dry and functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic locks are used without waterproofing, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but moisture infiltration causes malfunctions and reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-layer nested waterproofing structure where waterproof rings are placed at multiple interfaces (between motor and coupler seat, between coupler seat and clutch unit, between clutch unit and cam member). Each layer acts as an independent barrier, creating a nested defense system against moisture infiltration while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces waterproof filler material as an intermediary substance filling the internal cavity of the motor. This filler acts as a mediator that blocks moisture pathways without interfering with the motor's operational functions, effectively separating the motor's operational space from the external humid environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproof filler is added to the motor, then waterproof protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates waterproof rings and filler material during the assembly process rather than requiring post-assembly waterproofing treatments. The waterproof rings are pre-positioned at critical interfaces, and the filler is introduced into the motor cavity before final assembly, ensuring waterproofing is built-in from the start and reducing subsequent manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies waterproofing measures selectively at specific locations where moisture infiltration is most likely to occur, such as interfaces between moving parts and the motor cavity. Rather than uniformly waterproofing the entire assembly, the solution concentrates protective measures at critical points, reducing overall material usage and manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple waterproof components are added, then waterproof effectiveness is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the waterproof rings to serve multiple functions: they create waterproof seals at interfaces, provide mechanical support between components, and maintain proper spacing and alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby enhancing waterproof effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 waterproofing solution effectively prevents moisture damage to the motor and other components, enhancing the electronic lock's durability and reliability, thereby extending its service life and maintaining safety performance even in humid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof filler hermetically filling the recess in the coupler seat
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cylinder includes a knob; a cylinder core connected with the knob; a motor having a protrusion block; a clutch unit; a coupler including a chamber receiving the clutch unit and a front portion having a front end face with an opening constituted by an injection channel indented inwardly from the end face and extending from a first point of a periphery confining the end face, an recess indented inwardly from a bottom surface of the injection channel and an outflow channel indented inwardly from the end face and extending from a second point of the periphery, the bottom of the recess being formed with a hole permitting extension of an axle for engaging the clutch unit, a preventing block in a depth of the opening such that after assembly, the end face abuts against the motor; and a waterproof filler hermetically filling the recess.