Hard Supporting Tube in Wire Assembly Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with exposed wire assemblies face waterproof failure due to deformation or collapse of flexible tubes under long-term use or temperature changes, causing gaps and rupture of waterproof glue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hard supporting tube between the wires and the flexible tube, which is located inside the flexible tube to provide support and maintain the position of the flexible tube relative to the outer case, thereby reducing deformation and enhancing the stability of the waterproof glue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only a flexible tube is used to cover the wires, then the structure is simple and flexible, but the flexible tube collapses or deforms under long-term use or temperature changes, causing gaps and waterproof failure
Solution Approach 1:
The wire assembly uses a composite structure combining a flexible tube and a hard supporting tube. The flexible tube provides flexibility and basic protection, while the hard supporting tube prevents collapse and deformation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties to achieve both reliability and controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard supporting tube is nested inside the flexible tube, with the flexible tube covering the wires and the hard supporting tube located between the wires and the flexible tube. This nested configuration allows the inner hard tube to provide structural support while the outer flexible tube maintains flexibility and environmental sealing, solving the contradiction between structural integrity and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible tube is made thinner to maintain flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but the tube becomes more prone to collapse and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The thin flexible tube is nested over the harder, more rigid supporting tube. This arrangement allows the flexible tube to maintain its flexibility and adaptability while the inner supporting tube provides the necessary strength to prevent collapse. The nested configuration enables each layer to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of flexible tube material and hard supporting tube material creates a composite wire assembly that exhibits both flexibility and high resistance to collapse. The flexible tube material provides adaptability while the hard supporting tube material contributes strength, resolving the contradiction through material composition.
3Reliability
If waterproof glue is applied at the junction of the outer case and wire assembly, then waterproofing is achieved, but the glue ruptures when the flexible tube deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The hard supporting tube is nested within the flexible tube at the junction area, providing a stable structural foundation that prevents deformation. This stable inner structure reduces movement and stress on the waterproof glue, improving the stability of the glue joint while maintaining the waterproof seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite wire assembly structure with the hard supporting tube provides dimensional stability that prevents the flexible tube from deforming enough to rupture the waterproof glue. The hard tube acts as a reinforcing element that maintains the geometric stability of the junction area, protecting the glue bond.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an outer case, a wire assembly, and a water-proof glue member. The outer case has an inner space and a hole communicating with the inner space. The wire assembly extends from the inner space of the outer case to outside of the outer case through the hole. The wire assembly includes a plurality of wires, a flexible tube covering the wires, and a hard supporting tube located between the wires and the flexible tube. The water-proof glue member is disposed between a wall surface of the outer case surrounding the hole and the wire assembly.