One-Piece Rubber Plug Waterproofing Terminal Module Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with both terminal fittings and terminal modules require complex structures to achieve a waterproof design, often increasing the number of components and complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that incorporates a one-piece rubber plug with multiple seal holes, allowing both wires to be passed through in a liquid-tight manner, simplifying the waterproof structure by using a housing with a terminal fitting, terminal module, and dielectric configuration that reduces the likelihood of the terminal module being caught by the rubber plug during insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connectors are used for terminal fitting and terminal module to achieve waterproofing, then waterproof reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproofing functions for terminal fitting and terminal module into a single one-piece rubber plug. The rubber plug is formed with multiple seal holes that accommodate both terminal fitting and terminal module simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate waterproof connectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining waterproof reliability
2Reliability
If separate connectors are used for terminal fitting and terminal module to achieve waterproofing, then waterproof reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple waterproofing functions into a single integrated rubber plug component. The one-piece design with multiple seal holes allows both terminal fitting and terminal module to be waterproofed simultaneously through a single assembly operation, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable waterproofing for all connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminal module with larger dimensions is inserted through rubber plug, then connectivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of cutting the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a front slope specifically at the insertion end of the terminal module. This localized structural modification reduces the external dimensions at the front end, allowing the terminal module to pass through the seal holes of the rubber plug without catching or cutting the plug material, thereby maintaining both connectivity and plug integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by providing a front slope on the terminal module before insertion occurs. This pre-designed feature prevents the potential harmful effect of the terminal module cutting the rubber plug during the insertion process, ensuring reliable operation from the first use
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing 11 and terminal fittings 12 and a terminal module 13 to be accommodated into the housing 11. The terminal module 13 includes inner conductor terminals 20 and a dielectric 21 for covering outer peripheries of the inner conductor terminals 20 and has larger external dimensions than the terminal fitting 12. A first wire 81 is connected to a rear part of the terminal fitting 12. A second wire 82 is connected to a rear part of the inner conductor terminal 20 in the terminal module 13. The connector 10 also includes a one-piece rubber plug 63. The one-piece rubber plug 60 is formed with first seal holes 62 through which the first wires 81 are passed in a liquid-tight manner, and a second seal hole 63 through which the second wire 82 is passed in a liquid-tight manner.