Integrated Waterproof Gasket and Wire Bushing for Outdoor Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor lighting apparatuses face issues with waterproofing due to poor design, including inefficient gasket positioning, damage susceptibility, high costs of wire bushings, large volume issues, and complex assembly processes, which lead to moisture penetration and increased assembly time and costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated waterproof gasket and wire bushing with an interference fit, a platform portion for sealing the housing opening, a first protrusion for circuit board fixation, a flange for metal end cover alignment, and a second protrusion for foolproof grounding screw assembly, simplifying the structure and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a waterproof gasket and wire bushing are assembled separately, then the sealing performance can be maintained, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproof gasket and wire bushing into a single integrated component. The gasket includes both the sealing portion that contacts the housing opening and the bushing portion that receives the power line, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these two components while maintaining both waterproof sealing and wire protection functions
2Reliability
If a wire bushing is used to protect the power line, then the sealing performance is improved, but the cost of the external structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the wire bushing function into the waterproof gasket as a single molded component, the patent eliminates the need to purchase and assemble separate wire bushing parts. This integration reduces overall component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the protective and sealing functions
3Reliability
If a wire bushing with good sealing performance is used, then the waterproof capability is improved, but the volume of the external structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the sealing portion and bushing portion to share the same space at the housing opening. The bushing portion extends from the gasket body in a compact manner, providing wire protection without requiring additional volume that would be needed if separate components were used
4Reliability
If the waterproof gasket is assembled to the housing, then the opening can be sealed, but the gasket is difficult to position and easy to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds specific structural features to the gasket body including positioning protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses in the housing, and reinforcing ribs that prevent damage during assembly. These localized structural modifications improve positioning accuracy and mechanical strength without affecting the overall sealing function
5Reliability
If the wire bushing and metal end cover are assembled separately, then the sealing performance can be maintained, but the assembly is difficult due to tolerance issues
Solution Approach 1:
By making the wire bushing an integral part of the gasket, the patent eliminates the interface between the wire bushing and metal end cover that causes tolerance accumulation. The integrated component reduces assembly steps and eliminates positioning difficulties between separate parts
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 prevents moisture penetration, reduces assembly time and costs, and enhances the waterproof and dustproof performance of outdoor electronic apparatuses by integrating components and eliminating the need for additional positioning members.
Implementation Method 1
the inner side of the waterproof gasket includes a platform portion capable of entirely filling and sealing an opening of a housing of the external structure by forming an interference fit with the opening. Meanwhile, the waterproof gasket can be positioned relative to the housing due to the interference fit formed between the platform portion and the opening
Implementation Method 2
the wire bushing and a wire-cladding member of a power line form an interference fit, so as to entirely prevent the problem that moisture penetrates into the external structure via the gap between the wire bushing and a metal end cover
Implementation Method 3
the outer side of the waterproof gasket includes a flange corresponding to a bending edge of the metal end cover, so as to solve the problem that the metal end cover cannot abut against the waterproof gasket to tightly press the opening of the housing due to the bending edge
Data Source
AI summary
An external structure of an outdoor electronic apparatus for packaging a circuit board having a power line is provided. The external structure includes a housing having an opening and a waterproof gasket. The waterproof gasket includes a main body, a platform portion, a first protrusion, and a bushing portion. The main body covers the opening. The platform portion, located at the inner side of the main body, extends into the housing from the opening. The platform portion seals the opening and tightly fits with the housing. The first protrusion is located on the platform portion for abutting against the circuit board. The bushing portion, located at the outer side of the main body, has a channel. The channel passes through the main body and the platform portion and can be passed through by the power line. The bushing portion and the power line tightly fit to each other.