Lever-Sealed Connector Assembly for Watertight Mate Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors used in motor vehicle doors face challenges in providing effective mating assistance while maintaining a sealed and waterproof environment, which is crucial for long-term functionality and preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
Innovation Solution
The electrical female connector incorporates a mate assist lever locking mechanism, combined with interfacial seals, cable seals, and lever seals, to ensure a watertight barrier and facilitate easy mating and uncoupling while preventing gaps or openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mate assist lever locking mechanism is added to facilitate easy mating and uncoupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism and mate assist lever locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated system. The lever seal is positioned to seal against the lever flange, and the actuating lever simultaneously performs both the sealing function and the mating assistance function, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lever serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism for easy mating/uncoupling, supports the lever seal to maintain the watertight barrier, and engages with the cam slot to guide the mating process. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity despite adding capabilities
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lever seals are added to complete the sealing of the connector, then the resistance to water and dust is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever seal is integrated with the actuating lever mechanism, combining the sealing function with the existing mating assistance structure. The seal is positioned to engage with the lever flange, creating a watertight barrier without requiring a separate sealing system
Solution Approach 2:
The lever seal is made of elastomeric material that forms a flexible sealing barrier. This flexible seal adapts to the lever flange surface and maintains the watertight barrier even during the dynamic mating and uncoupling operations
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
Electrical female connector with a female housing (6), a sealing means (14) being overmoulded on the female housing (6) and a mate assist actuating lever (7). The sealing means (14) comprises two lever seals, each comprising at least one first portion (25) intercalated between at least a portion of the female housing (6) and a portion the actuating lever (7), and at least one second portion intercalated between an inner surface of a flange of the actuating lever (7) and a respective female housing side face. The first portion (25) and second portion of the lever seals are configured to form, between each inner faces and the respective female housing side face, a continuous sealing barrier around the rotation axis of the actuating lever (7). Connector assembly comprising such a female connector and a male connector.