Flexible Boot Seals Electrical Connections in Vehicle Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for sealing electrical connections in motor vehicle locks fail to provide a compact, easily assembled, and cost-effective moisture barrier, especially with large manufacturing tolerances and varying use conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a lock housing with an external plug and a flexible sleeve that forms a seal at a distance from the opening in the fastening part, using a rubber-like material for the sleeve and reinforcement structures to ensure secure attachment and maintain moisture-tightness even with manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealant is applied to seal the opening for electrical connections, then moisture protection is improved, but assembly complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane (Membran) that is integrated into the fastening part to seal the opening for electrical connections. This membrane can be stretched over the connector plug and secured, providing moisture protection without requiring separate sealant application steps. The membrane approach simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Volume of moving object
If the plug is positioned close to the opening for compact design, then device size is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane that can dynamically adapt to position variations of the connector plug. The membrane's elasticity allows it to stretch and seal effectively even when the plug position varies within manufacturing tolerances, maintaining sealing reliability while allowing compact overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical parameters (elasticity, stretchability) are specifically chosen to accommodate position variations. By changing the membrane's mechanical properties rather than rigidly fixing the plug position, the design achieves both compactness and sealing reliability despite manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If separate sealing measures are used for each electrical connection, then moisture protection is improved, but production cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single membrane structure that serves multiple functions: it seals multiple electrical connection openings simultaneously, provides structural support, and can be installed in one piece. This universal sealing approach protects all electrical connections at once, significantly reducing assembly time compared to applying separate seals to each connection point.
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 effectively seals moisture out, allowing for reliable electrical connections under various conditions and manufacturing tolerances, ensuring the longevity and functionality of motor vehicle door components.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible boot is secured to the perimeter of the plug, extending to the first side of the mounting portion and forming a seal at a distance from the opening of the mounting portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) comprising a fastening part (2) for a lock housing (3), wherein an electrical connection to the lock housing (3) can be implemented through an opening (4) of the fastening part (2) from a first side (5) of the fastening part (2), wherein the lock housing (3) has an external plug (7) that is positioned at a distance to the fastening part (2) and at the circumference (8) of which a flexible collar (9) is fastened. For this purpose, the fastening part (2) in particular constitutes a boundary between a dry chamber (14) and a wet chamber (13) in a motor vehicle door (12), wherein the electrical connection to the lock housing (3) is positioned in the wet region (13).