Integrally Formed Retaining Means for Connector Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connection systems with sealing members require complex manufacturing and additional pieces to secure the sealing member, increasing costs and labor, and are prone to environmental intrusion if the sealing member becomes dislodged or misoriented.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection system with a pair of connector housings, one of which has an integrally formed retaining means to secure the sealing member, allowing for easier fabrication and reduced costs by eliminating the need for extra pieces and complex orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate piece or provision is used to secure the sealing member to the housing, then the sealing member can be retained in place, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is integrally formed with the housing as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate retention components. The housing and retaining means form one integrated structure that secures the sealing member without requiring additional parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining retention reliability.
2Reliability
If the sealing member requires specific orientation for insertion into the housing, then proper sealing can be achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to extra labor
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means features an asymmetric geometry with a first side having a first angle and a second side having a second angle, where the angles differ. This asymmetric design provides proper sealing through directional engagement while allowing flexible insertion orientation, reducing assembly labor requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sealing members with extended darts are used, then the sealing member can be inserted into the housing, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is formed as an integral part of the housing in a single manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate retention components. This integration simplifies fabrication while maintaining the ability to securely insert and retain the sealing member.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is divided into multiple geometric features including a first side with a first angle, a second side with a second angle, and a third side connecting them. This segmentation of the retaining structure into functional geometric elements enables simplified manufacturing while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
An electrical connection system (10) includes a first connector housing (12) including electrical contacts (16) and a second connector housing including corresponding electrical mating contacts (16). The first connector housing (12) and electrical contacts (16) are configured to mate with the second connector housing and the electrical mating contacts along a mating axis (A). At least one of the first and second connector housings includes a sealing member (20) that surrounds the electrical contact (16) associated with the at least one of the first and second connector housings and further contains a retaining means (24) to retain the sealing member (20) therein. The retaining means (24) is integrally formed with the connector housing. A method (100) to construct the electrical connection system (10) that includes the sealing member (20) and the integral retaining means (24) is also presented.