Receptacle Connector Sealing Structure for Compact Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Receptacle connectors face a challenge in achieving waterproofing while maintaining miniaturization, as existing designs result in increased overall length due to the protrusion of sealing portions, which compromises their compactness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shell with a first support portion that restricts the movement of the sealing portion, including a first rear support member, a first external support member, a first connecting member, and a first internal support member, which work together to minimize the protrusion of the sealing portion and maintain waterproofing without increasing the connector's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing portion protrudes forward from the shell to seal the gap between the shell and the electronic device, then waterproofing performance is improved, but the overall length of the receptacle connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sealing support structure from a front-end configuration (protruding forward) to a rear-end configuration (supported from behind). The first rear support member is disposed at the rear of the sealing portion, providing support in the backward direction rather than requiring forward protrusion. This dimensional repositioning resolves the contradiction by achieving waterproofing without increasing the forward length of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the sealing portion protrude forward from the shell to achieve sealing, the patent inverts the approach by having the sealing portion supported from the rear by the first rear support member. The sealing function is achieved by preventing backward movement of the sealing portion rather than by forward protrusion, thus eliminating the need for increased overall length while maintaining waterproofing performance.
2Reliability
If the support member is disposed on the front end of the shell to support the sealing portion, then sealing function is achieved, but the miniaturization of the receptacle connector is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the support structure from the front end of the shell to the rear of the sealing portion. The first rear support member is disposed at the rear of the sealing portion rather than at the front end of the shell, changing the spatial dimension of support. This allows the sealing portion to be supported without extending the overall length or volume of the connector, thereby achieving miniaturization while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first rear support member, first external support member, first connecting member, and first internal support member form a nested or integrated support structure. The first external support member protrudes forward from the first rear support member, and the first internal support member is coupled to both the first connecting member and the shell body, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides adequate sealing support without increasing the overall volume of the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a receptacle connector, comprising a plurality of contacts for electrically connecting a plug connector and a substrate which is provided in an electronic device; an insulating part; a shell; and a sealing part for sealing between the electronic device and the shell, wherein the shell includes a shell body, and a first support part, wherein the first support part may include a first rear support member; a first outer support member which protrudes forward from the first rear support member; a first connecting member which is coupled to the front of the first outer support member; and a first inner support member which is coupled to each of the first connecting member and the shell body and is disposed spaced apart from the first outer support member.