Electronic Lock Wiring Harness Port Sealing Against Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic locks are vulnerable to weather conditions and user input, which can cause the wiring harness to disconnect, rendering the lock inoperable due to the lack of effective sealing and protection.
Innovation Solution
The electronic lock design includes a sealed wiring harness with a specific port configuration that limits axial movement and includes a biometric fingerprint sensor for authentication, ensuring secure communication between exterior and interior assemblies while withstanding environmental factors and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wiring harness is made accessible for user input, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the port barriers and seal system) between the wiring harness and the external environment. This intermediary structure allows the wiring harness to be accessible for connection while preventing accidental disconnection, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible seal (grommet) that can deform to accommodate the wiring harness during insertion and connection, then returns to its original shape to provide a secure, weather-tight seal. This flexible element enables both accessibility and reliable connection stability.
2Reliability
If the electronic lock is sealed to protect from weather, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted wiring harness access
Solution Approach 1:
The port is divided into multiple functional segments: a first portion for sealing around the wiring harness, a second portion with barriers for connection, and a third portion for weather protection. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function while collectively resolving the contradiction between sealing and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the port structure to provide weather protection while maintaining axial accessibility for the wiring harness. The seal extends radially to block weather elements, while the axial dimension remains open for connection, effectively resolving the contradiction through dimensional differentiation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the port is sealed around the wiring harness, then protection from weather is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the seal (using elastomeric or rubber materials) to provide effective weather protection with relaxed dimensional tolerances. The material's inherent elasticity and sealing properties compensate for variations in port fabrication, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The port structure combines rigid port barriers (for structural support and connection guidance) with flexible sealing materials (for weather protection). This composite approach allows the rigid portions to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the flexible seal provides the necessary weather resistance, effectively reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate for an electronic lock includes a main body and a wiring harness electrical receptacle configured to connect to a wiring harness. The mounting plate includes a wiring harness receiving port that is defined in the main body and axially aligned with the wiring harness electrical receptacle. The wiring harness receiving port includes a first portion sized and shaped to seal around the wiring harness and a second portion sized and shaped to axially limit movement of the wiring harness therein.