LSR Light Pipe Sealing for Electronic Connector Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic connector assemblies fail to provide effective waterproofing, which is crucial for electronic products operating in poor or special conditions due to mismatched shapes of the transmission ring and metal shield, leading to poor sealing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic connector design featuring a transparent and compressible light pipe made of LSR (liquid silicon rubber) with a ring sealing gasket that matches the metal shield, creating a sealing structure that prevents water ingress while allowing light transmission, and is integrated with a Micro-USB connector and circuit board assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transmission ring with dispersion materials is used to achieve well-distributed illumination, then light effect is improved, but waterproofing capability deteriorates due to shape mismatch with metal shield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light transmission function and sealing function into a single integrated light pipe component. The light pipe merges the roles of the transmission ring (for light distribution) and the sealing element (for waterproofing), eliminating the shape mismatch problem by making the light pipe's outer surface directly conform to the metal shield's inner surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light from the LED to create the desired illumination effect, provides a sealing interface with the metal shield for waterproofing, and structurally connects the front end cover to the connector body. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component fulfill both optical and sealing requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If the transmission ring and metal shield have non-corresponding shapes, then light distribution can be achieved, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe exhibits local quality differentiation: its front end portion has optical properties for light transmission and distribution, while its outer surface portion has geometric properties for sealing (conforming to the metal shield's shape). This local differentiation allows the same component to achieve both light distribution and prevent water ingress without compromise.
3Reliability
If additional sealing components are added to achieve waterproofing, then waterproofing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate sealing components by integrating the sealing function directly into the light pipe. The light pipe's design incorporates a sealing surface that directly interfaces with the metal shield, removing the need for additional gaskets or sealing rings, thereby simplifying the overall assembly structure while maintaining excellent waterproofing.
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 provides both desired light effects and excellent waterproofing capabilities, enabling the electronic connector to function reliably in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The light pipe is transparent/translucent and compressible, and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket formed in the front of the base body
Implementation Method 2
The light pipe is transparent/translucent and compressible, and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket formed in the front of the base body covering a periphery of the insertion opening
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic connector comprises: an insulating body, a plurality of terminals contained in the insulating body, a metal shield housing the insulating body, and a light pipe covering the metal shield. The insulating body and the metal shield define a mating space having an inserting opening. The light pipe is made of transparent, compressible LSR and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket in front of the base body covering the periphery of the insertion opening. When the electronic connector is assembled in a panel, the sealing gasket is held between a hold of the panel and the metal shield to form a sealing structure, so that the electronic connector and assembly comprising the same are excellently waterproofed.