Membrane-Sealed Cord Connector for Liquid-Tight Multi-Cord Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cord connectors lack an efficient and reliable method to manage multiple cords, particularly in providing a liquid-tight seal without requiring secondary sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cord connector design comprising a first and second body with a bushing having sealed passages, where the bushing passages are initially sealed by membranes that can be pierced to allow cord passage, and the bushing is trapped between the bodies to create a liquid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cords are routed through a connector body, then cord management efficiency is improved, but the risk of contamination and moisture ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is segmented into multiple separate cord passages, each independently sealed. This allows multiple cords to be managed efficiently while maintaining individual protection against contamination and moisture for each passage.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing members (grommets or membranes) are introduced as intermediary elements between the cord passages and the external environment. These sealing members prevent contamination and moisture ingress while allowing cords to pass through the connector body.
2Reliability
If a liquid-tight seal is provided for multiple cords, then protection against contamination is improved, but the device complexity increases due to required sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the cord passage structure itself. The sealing members are integrated into the connector body design, combining the functions of structural support and sealing protection into a unified component rather than adding separate complex sealing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are designed to automatically adapt to cord insertion and movement. The grommets or membranes self-adjust to maintain the liquid-tight seal without requiring additional actuation mechanisms or complex control systems, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If cords are routed through a connector body, then cord organization is improved, but the risk of cord damage and disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cord passage is equipped with localized sealing and protection features tailored to that specific passage. This ensures that each cord receives individual protection against damage and disconnection while maintaining overall cord organization within the connector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are pre-installed in the cord passages to provide protective cushioning before cords are inserted. This prevents cord damage during installation and provides ongoing protection against disconnection and environmental harm throughout the connector's service life.
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
Enables efficient management and liquid-tight connection of multiple cords without the need for additional sealing structures, ensuring reliable cord routing and attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is configured to be pierced to open the bushing passage
Implementation Method 2
trapping the bushing between the first body and the second body
Data Source
AI summary
A cord connector may be used for holding one or more cords. The cord connector includes a first body, a second body, and a bushing. The second body is removably coupled to the first body. The bushing is disposed between the first body and the second body. The bushing includes at least two bushing passages extending from a first end of the bushing toward a second end of the bushing. Each bushing passage is sealed with a membrane. The membrane is disposed within the bushing passage between the first end and the second end. The membrane is configured to be pierced to open the bushing passage.