Push-Pull Circular Connector Sealing for Low-Force Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular connectors with sealing elements require significant effort to connect and disconnect, and the sealing elements can be damaged during use, making them cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A circular connector with a one-piece sealing element featuring an annular sealing section and a lip section that adapts to the insertion area, providing a reliable and easy-to-use connection by preventing fluid and dust penetration while allowing for effortless assembly and disassembly through a push-pull mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing elements are provided between the circular connector and mating connector to prevent fluid and dust penetration, then sealing reliability is improved, but the effort required to connect and disconnect increases and the sealing elements can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into two functional sections: a first annular sealing section that provides the sealing function against the mating connector, and a lip section that acts as a guide and protection element. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be separated from the connection guidance function, enabling easy push-pull connection while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip section acts as an intermediary element between the user's connection action and the sealing element. It guides the insertion process and protects the sealing section from damage during connection and disconnection, allowing effortless operation while preserving sealing integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing element is provided to ensure tight connection, then fluid and dust penetration is prevented, but the sealing element is exposed to relative movement and can be damaged during connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The lip section serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the mechanical stress and relative movement during connection and disconnection. It shields the sealing section from direct contact with the mating connector surfaces that could cause damage, thereby preventing fluid and dust penetration while ensuring sealing element durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip section is positioned beforehand to cushion and guide the insertion process. It prepares the sealing element for the upcoming connection by aligning it properly and protecting it from impact forces, ensuring both sealing effectiveness and element durability.
3Reliability
If sealing elements are provided to provide tight connection, then sealing performance is improved, but the effort required to connect the circular connector to the mating connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented into a first sealing section and a lip section. The lip section is designed to engage with the mating connector first, guiding the insertion process and requiring minimal force. The sealing section then naturally follows into place, achieving tight connection without requiring excessive connection effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect relates to a circular connector (200), in particular a push-pull connector, for detachable connection with a mating connector (300), wherein the circular connector (200) comprises: - an insertion area (202) for insertion into a complementary insertion area (302) of the mating connector (300) and for providing an electrical connection between a connector-side contact element and a complementary mating-side contact element (304), and - a substantially annular sealing element (204) arranged on the insertion area (202) and which, in the inserted state of the insertion area (202), is arranged in the insertion area (302) between the insertion area (202) and the insertion area (302), wherein the sealing element (204) comprises a first substantially annular sealing section (206) which bears circumferentially against the insertion area (302), and a substantially ring-shaped lip section (208),which is attached to the first sealing section (206), wherein the lip section (208) acts against the plugging area (302) of the mating plug connector (300) when plugged in.