Multi-Port Electric Connector Sealing for Waterproof Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connectors fail to adequately prevent moisture infiltration into casings while maintaining space efficiency, particularly when attached to panels requiring high water-proof performance.
Innovation Solution
The electric connector is designed with a housing main body inserted into a panel attachment hole, featuring flange parts protruding outward, and equipped with multiple fitting ports on the casing exterior, along with first, second, and third water-proof seals to block moisture ingress through different paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single electric connector housing contains multiple fitting ports for multiple cable connectors, then space is saved and installation work is reduced, but moisture infiltration through the fitting ports cannot be sufficiently prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent water-proof seals (first, second, and third water-proof seals) positioned at different locations. Each seal addresses a specific infiltration path: the first seal at each fitting port, the second seal at the housing-panel interface, and the third seal at the cable connector interface. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain both multi-port functionality and high water-proof performance.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are prepared for each cable connector, then water-proof performance can be ensured, but space is wasted and installation work increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate connector functions are merged into a single integrated housing main body that contains multiple fitting ports. The housing is designed to accommodate multiple cable connectors simultaneously while maintaining individual sealing at each port through the first water-proof seals. This merging reduces the number of separate components and installation steps while preserving water-proof performance through the multi-level sealing system.
3Strength
If the housing main body is inserted into the panel from the inside of the casing, then the connector is securely fixed, but moisture can infiltrate through the gap between the housing and panel
Solution Approach 1:
A second water-proof seal acts as an intermediary element between the housing main body and the panel. This seal is positioned at the interface where the housing is inserted into the panel's attachment hole, preventing moisture infiltration through the gap between these components. The intermediary seal maintains both the secure mechanical connection and the water-proof barrier.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric connector is provided with a housing attached to an attachment hole of a panel of a casing. The housing includes a housing main body inserted into the attachment hole of the panel and a flange part extending outward from an outer circumferential face of the housing main body. The housing main body has a plurality of fitting ports into which a plurality of cable connectors is fitted, on an outside of the casing. The flange part has a fixed part fixed to the panel. A first water-proof seal is installed to each of the fitting ports, and seals between a circumferential wall of each of the fitting ports and each of the cable connectors. A second water-proof seal is installed around an outer circumferential face of the housing main body, and seals between the housing main body and the panel.