Module Seal for Connector Interface Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network devices deployed in uncontrolled outdoor environments are prone to severe corrosion due to high humidity, salt fog, and contaminants, leading to reduced operational life and unpredictable failures, which result in significant downtime and replacement costs.

Innovation Solution

A frame with a seal is attached to the module, positioned adjacent to the contacts to protect the module to connector interface from contaminants, using materials like foam or thermal pads to create a barrier against moisture and chemicals, thereby preventing corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network devices are deployed in uncontrolled outdoor environments, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but corrosion of electronic components increases due to humidity, salt fog, and contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment environment flexibilityVSAvoidcorrosion of contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A frame with seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the module and the external environment. The seal creates a barrier that mediates the interaction between contaminants (humidity, salt fog, dust) and the module-to-connector interface, preventing direct contact and corrosion while allowing the device to operate in harsh outdoor environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If module contacts are exposed for mating with connectors, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but corrosion resistance decreases due to direct exposure to contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidcorrosion of contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is applied locally at the module-to-connector interface where contacts are exposed, rather than protecting the entire module uniformly. This localized protection approach maintains electrical connectivity functionality while providing corrosion resistance precisely where the contacts are vulnerable to contaminants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If seal is added to protect module interface from contaminants, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidframe and seal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is implemented as a thin, flexible barrier component that can conform to the module interface geometry. This thin-film approach provides effective corrosion protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the device assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively delays or reduces corrosion of contacts at the module to connector interface, enhancing the durability of network devices in harsh environments and reducing maintenance costs by extending equipment life.

Implementation Method 1

a seal positioned on opposing faces of the module adjacent to the contacts to protect a module to connector interface from contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10763606B1Contamination protection for module and connector interface in a network device

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame for attaching to a module with contacts of the module exposed for mating with a connector operable to couple the module to a printed circuit board, the frame comprising a seal for positioning on opposing faces of the module adjacent to the contacts to protect a module to connector interface from contaminants passing through a network device with the module installed in the network device.