Floatable Connector Radial Self-Alignment Seal Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face alignment issues with panels, leading to uneven sealing and potential leaks due to non-uniform gaps, which can result in the transfer of pressure, gases, and contaminants, affecting the performance of devices like transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
A floatable electrical connector assembly with radially movable mounting projections and deflectable fingers that allow the connector to self-center within a predefined area, ensuring even sealing and alignment with the panel opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed connector is mounted to a housing with a panel placed over it, then the connector is securely mounted, but the panel opening may not align correctly with the connector, causing non-uniform gaps and seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting projection is made movable relative to the fixed member, allowing it to float radially within a defined gap. This dynamic capability enables the connector to self-align with the panel opening, ensuring uniform gaps and proper seal compression, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and alignment tolerance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the panel is mounted separately from the connector, then the connector can be installed through the panel, but misalignment may occur leading to non-uniform gaps and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting projection is designed to self-align with the panel opening by floating radially within the gap. This self-aligning mechanism automatically compensates for misalignment, ensuring uniform gaps and proper seal compression without requiring precise pre-alignment during installation, thus resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and seal performance.
3Reliability
If compression seal is installed at the interface, then sealing is provided, but non-uniform gaps cause different compressive forces leading to seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mounting projection allows the connector to self-adjust its position relative to the panel opening, ensuring uniform gaps around the perimeter. This dynamic adjustment capability distributes compressive forces evenly on the seal, preventing seal failure due to non-uniform compression, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealing capability and gap uniformity.
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 ensures equal compressive forces around the connector, reducing the likelihood of leaks and maintaining proper alignment and sealing, even with slight misalignments, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one deflectable member cooperates with the first detent to retain the electrical connector assembly in a pre-staged position
Implementation Method 2
The mounting projections are able to float radially within the gap
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector with a housing having a mounting opening with a mounting projection. An outwardly facing wall of the mounting projection has at least one detent. A fixed member has a fixed member opening. The fixed member opening has an inner surface with at least one deflectable member which extends from the inner surface into the fixed member opening. A gap is provided between the inner surface of the fixed member opening and the outwardly facing wall of the mounting projection. The mounting projections are able to float radially with the gap. The at least one deflectable member cooperates with the first detent to retain the electrical connector assembly in a pre-staged position.