Optical Waveguide Housing With Integral Seal for Simple Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation devices face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively integrating optical waveguides while providing a sealed environment to protect against weather elements, and existing methods complicate assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A component comprising a support structure, cover portion, and elastic sealing portion, integrally bonded to form a sealed receptacle for the optical waveguide, which is produced through a two-component injection molding process, eliminating the need for additional seals and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate seal is provided between the support structure and cover portion, then the optical waveguide can be protected against weather elements, but the assembly process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing portion is integrated directly into the support structure as an integral component, merging the sealing function with the structural support function. This eliminates the need for separate seal components and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable weather protection for the optical waveguide
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates the sealing barrier against weather elements, and forms part of the receptacle for the optical waveguide. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the assembly
2Reliability
If additional adhesive layers or seal components are used, then the sealing reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing portion is formed as an integral part of the support structure through co-molding or insert molding techniques, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers or seal components. This integration reduces manufacturing steps and improves production efficiency while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing portion is pre-formed as an integral component during the molding process itself, before assembly. This preliminary formation of the sealing structure eliminates subsequent sealing operations and accelerates the overall production process
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for support and sealing, then the design flexibility improves, but the number of assembly steps and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and sealing portion are combined into a single integrated component, reducing the number of parts to manufacture and assemble. The integrated design maintains functional flexibility while simplifying manufacturing operations and reducing assembly 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
The solution provides a cost-effective, sealed integration of optical waveguides, protecting against weather elements and simplifying assembly by using integrally bonded connections, ensuring efficient production and enhanced durability.
Implementation Method 1
The component is produced comparatively simply by way of a two-component injection molding process. The sealing portion can be cast directly on the cover portion or the support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a transportation device includes a support structure, a cover portion, an elastic seal portion, which is formed between the support structure and the cover portion and which is integrally bonded to the support structure and/or to the cover portion, and an optical waveguide. The support structure, the cover portion and the seal portion delimit a receptacle, which is sealed by the seal portion and in which the optical waveguide is accommodated.