Panel Connector Sealing Assembly Without Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies in refrigeration devices face issues with material waste, increased costs, and operational inefficiencies due to the use of adhesive tape and glue for sealing, which are difficult to standardize and require additional training.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a housing and a sealing element featuring a flange with a groove that accommodates the sealing element, forming a seal by pressing against a panel without adhesive tape or glue, utilizing a resilient arm for positioning and a sealing element with protrusions for secure fit, enabling a simple plugging-in installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape and glue are used to adhere connectors to panels, then sealing properties are improved, but material waste increases and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive tape and glue from the sealing process. Instead of using external sealing materials, the connector housing itself forms the seal through its flange structure that directly contacts and seals against the panel opening, removing the need for separate adhesive materials and their associated application time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive tape and glue) with a mechanical sealing system. The flange of the connector housing mechanically engages with the panel opening to create a seal, substituting chemical adhesion with mechanical contact and structural fit.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape and glue are used to adhere connectors to panels, then sealing properties are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive materials (tape and glue) from the assembly process, eliminating the material waste associated with these consumables. The sealing function is achieved through the reusable connector housing and panel structure itself, without requiring additional sealing materials that would be wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the connector assembly and panel structure. By eliminating adhesive materials that cannot be recovered, the system allows for disassembly and reuse of main components, reducing overall material waste and supporting sustainability goals.
3Reliability
If adhesive tape and glue are used to adhere connectors to panels, then sealing properties are improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex, skill-dependent application of adhesive materials with a simple mechanical insertion operation. The connector housing with its flange structure allows for straightforward placement into the panel opening, eliminating the need for manual adhesive application skills and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly performs its own sealing function through its built-in flange structure, without requiring external adhesive materials or complex application procedures. The design is self-contained and self-explanatory, reducing the need for training and standardization efforts.
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
Facilitates reusable components, reduces material waste and assembly time, enhances sealing reliability, and standardizes operations, improving efficiency and safety in mass production.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element is pressed against the panel when the housing partially passes through the opening of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a housing having a flange along a circumferential direction, the flange has a groove spaced radially from the housing, and a sealing element disposed in the groove and forming a seal between the flange and a panel that has an opening receiving the housing. The sealing element is pressed against the panel when the housing partially passes through the opening of the panel.