Fingerprint Scanner Shell Sealing Cable Connectors Against Water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable fingerprint acquisition devices face issues with frequent disconnections and cable deterioration, especially under wet or rainy conditions, due to mechanical stress and water infiltration, which can lead to oxidation of electronic connectors.

Innovation Solution

A protective shell with a second accommodation for the connection cable's connector, featuring a retention hook and notch, and a communication opening that forms a seal around the connector, ensuring resistance to mechanical stress and water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the portable device is equipped with a protective shell to protect from impacts and external conditions, then the device robustness is improved, but the connection cable can still deteriorate quickly and disconnect untimely due to mechanical stress and water infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice robustnessVSAvoidconnection cable reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shell is divided into two separate housings: a first housing for the portable device and a second housing for the connection cable. This segmentation isolates the cable from the device while both remain protected within the shell structure, preventing water and mechanical stress from reaching the cable connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A separating partition acts as an intermediary barrier between the first housing (device) and the second housing (cable). This partition with its communication opening creates a protected pathway that allows the connector to pass through while blocking water and debris from reaching the cable, thus protecting the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connection cable is frequently used in outdoor conditions, then the device adaptability is improved, but water infiltration occurs and oxidizes the connectors and electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice adaptability to outdoor conditionsVSAvoidwater infiltration and oxidation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection cable is extracted from the main device housing and placed in a separate second housing within the protective shell. This extraction isolates the cable and its connector from water and humid environments, preventing oxidation while maintaining the device's portability and outdoor adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The second housing creates a protected, inert environment for the connection cable, isolating it from water and oxygen that cause oxidation. The separating partition further enhances this protective barrier, maintaining a stable, non-corrosive environment for the electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Ease of operation

If the connector is exposed to the outside for cable connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but mechanical stress causes frequent disconnections and cable deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection easeVSAvoidconnection resistance to mechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is nested within the second housing, which itself is nested within the protective shell. This nested structure provides multiple levels of protection while maintaining accessibility. The connector remains exposed enough for connection operations but is surrounded by protective structures that shield it from mechanical stress and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4548802A1Shell for a portable device for acquiring fingerprints and/or palm prints
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 IDEMIA PUBLIC SECURITY FRANCE
  • EP4548802A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4548802A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4548802A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a protective case (12) for a portable device (10) for acquiring fingerprints and/or palm prints, said protective case (12) comprises: - a first housing (16) adapted to receive the portable acquisition device (10); - a second housing (20) comprising a retention means (26, 34) for the end of a connecting cable of the portable acquisition device (10) equipped with a connector; - a partition (22) between the first housing (16) and the second housing (20), said partition (22) comprising an opening (24) for communication between the first housing (16) and the second housing (20); said opening (24) being adapted to be passed through by the connector of the connecting cable and to form a sealing gasket around said connector.