Moisture-Triggered Connector Detachment for Non-Removable Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronics devices face potential damage and safety hazards when exposed to moisture due to non-removable batteries, and traditional waterproofing solutions increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer peripheral structure in connectors, comprising an outer, middle, and inner layer, allows moisture ingress, expands vertically to detach from components without user intervention, preventing further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional waterproofing solutions are applied to electronic devices, then protection against moisture damage is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproofing function from the entire electronic device and concentrates it specifically in the connector component. The multi-layer peripheral structure with hydrophilic material is integrated only into the connector housing, allowing moisture detection and response at the critical connection point without requiring comprehensive waterproofing of the entire device, thereby reducing overall complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-protection through the automatic expansion mechanism. When the hydrophilic material absorbs moisture, it expands and automatically triggers connector detachment from the PCB, eliminating the need for external sensors, control circuits, or user intervention. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing additional components and complexity.
2Device complexity
If non-removable batteries are used in electronic devices, then device integration and compactness are improved, but safety hazards increase when moisture exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by designing the connector to automatically detach before significant damage can occur. The hydrophilic material detects moisture exposure early and triggers expansion that separates the battery connector from the PCB, preventing electrolysis and potential safety hazards before they can develop, while maintaining the non-removable battery integration.
3Reliability
If automatic detachment mechanism is implemented in connectors, then protection against moisture damage is improved, but connector structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the multi-layer peripheral structure: moisture absorption, expansion actuation, and mechanical detachment triggering are all combined in a single integrated component. The hydrophilic material is embedded within the connector housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate sensors, actuators, and detachment mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing structural complexity.
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
Prevents damage to electronic devices by automatically disconnecting connectors from components when exposed to moisture, ensuring safety and reducing the need for complex waterproofing.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing water through the multi-layer peripheral structure of the connector
Implementation Method 2
expand in response to exposure to a liquid for disconnecting the connector from an electronic component
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing and a multi-layer peripheral structure disposed on the housing. The multi-layer peripheral structure is configured to enclose one or more pins and to expand in response to exposure to a liquid for disconnecting the connector from an electronic component without user intervention. The multi-layer peripheral structure may include an outer layer that may include a permeable material, a middle layer disposed within the outer layer, where the middle layer may include a material that expands when wet, and an inner layer disposed within the middle layer.