Enclosure Interface Seal for Moisture Barrier

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enclosures for housing electrical or electronic devices, such as motor controllers, face challenges in preventing moisture and contaminants from entering through bus bars or conductors, which can damage the internal components.

Innovation Solution

An interface comprising a dielectric connector and a seal within a recess in the enclosure wall, which compresses to form a moisture-resistant and debris-resistant barrier when the connector is securely fastened, surrounding the inserted member and preventing ingress of moisture and debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a bus bar or conductor extends through the enclosure wall, then direct current power can be provided to the electronic device, but moisture or contaminants can enter or migrate into the enclosure through the conductor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidmoisture and contaminant ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the conductor and the enclosure wall. The connector includes a seal member that prevents moisture and contaminants from migrating along the conductor into the enclosure, while still allowing the conductor to pass through and transmit electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A seal member, typically made of elastomeric or flexible material, is used to create a barrier around the conductor where it penetrates the enclosure wall. The seal member can deform to accommodate the conductor while maintaining a continuous protective barrier that blocks moisture and contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the enclosure wall is sealed to prevent moisture and contaminants, then the electronic device is protected, but conductors cannot pass through to provide power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from moisture and contaminantsVSAvoidpower transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure wall interface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a sealed portion that prevents contaminant ingress, and a dedicated opening with a connector that accommodates the conductor. This segmentation allows the bulk of the enclosure to remain sealed while providing a controlled pathway for power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is localized to specific regions around the conductor penetration point rather than requiring a complete seal of the entire enclosure wall. The seal member is positioned only where needed to prevent contamination along the conductor path, while leaving other areas open for power transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a seal is placed around the inserted member, then moisture resistance is improved, but the inserted member becomes constrained in its movement or insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidinsertion and movement of inserted member

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to deform and accommodate the inserted member during insertion and operation. The elastomeric material provides flexibility that maintains the seal while permitting necessary movement of the conductor or inserted member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member's physical parameters (such as hardness, cross-sectional area, or compressibility) are optimized to balance sealing effectiveness with ease of insertion. By adjusting these parameters, the seal can provide adequate moisture protection while minimizing resistance to the inserted member's movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively seals the enclosure from moisture and debris, protecting the internal electrical or electronic device by forming a reliable barrier at the entry point of the inserted member, ensuring the device's operational integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the seal is compressed to form a moisture-resistant barrier between the enclosure interior and the enclosure exterior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8575482B2Interface for an enclosure for housing an electrical or electronic device

Publication Date: 2013.11.05 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An interface for an enclosure comprises at least one enclosure wall that separates an enclosure interior from an enclosure exterior, an opening in the enclosure wall, and a recess in the enclosure wall. The recess adjoins the opening. A dielectric connector is configured to securely fasten to the enclosure wall. The connector extends into the recess. A seal is situated in the recess between the enclosure wall and the connector. An inserted member is inserted through the opening and surrounded by the seal and the connector. Where the connector is securely fastened to the enclosure wall, the seal is compressed to form a moisture-resistant barrier between the enclosure interior and the enclosure exterior.