Light String Connector With Threaded Caps for Waterproof Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light strings lack effective waterproofing structures, particularly at connectors, leading to potential water ingress and electrical failures.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with threaded waterproof caps and gaskets for both plug handles, along with a fuse mechanism to prevent electrical leakage and damage, ensuring robust waterproofing and protection against water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is used to connect light strings, then electrical connection is achieved, but water ingress and electrical failures occur due to lack of waterproofing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidwater ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate components: a first plug handle with plug, a second plug handle with socket, and a first waterproof cap. This segmentation allows the waterproof cap to be specifically designed to seal the connection interface between the two handles, preventing water ingress while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first waterproof cap acts as an intermediary element between the first and second plug handles. It seals the interface where the two handles connect, creating a waterproof barrier that prevents water from penetrating into the electrical components while allowing the electrical connection to function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If waterproof caps are added to connectors, then waterproofing is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing capabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first waterproof cap integrates multiple functions: it seals the connection interface between plug handles, protects the electrical connection point, and prevents water ingress. By combining these protective functions into a single cap component, the design achieves comprehensive waterproofing without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof cap serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a seal, a protective cover, and a water barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving robust waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If connectors are made detachable for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but water ingress risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector detachabilityVSAvoidwater ingress at connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first waterproof cap is designed to be installed on the first plug handle before connection to the second plug handle. This preliminary placement of the waterproof seal ensures that when the detachable connector is assembled and disassembled, the waterproofing function is already in place, preventing water ingress at the connection interface during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12359801B1Light string with waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 NINGBO MAOLI ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD

AI summary

A light string with a waterproof structure includes a main cable, a connector and a light assembly. The connector includes a first plug handle, a second plug handle and a first waterproof cap. The first plug handle is provided with a plug, the first plug handle is provided with a first outer edge, and the second plug handle is provided with a socket. The first waterproof cap and the second plug handle can be selectively fastened and connected so that a first end of the first plug handle is tightly fitted with a first end of the second plug handle.