Receptacle Connector Waterproofing via Nested Elastic Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacle connectors for high-speed electronic devices face complexity in adding functions like waterproofing, noise shielding, and ease of assembly, which complicates their structure.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector design featuring a signal terminal, a conductive shell, non-conductive connector case, inner and outer seal members, and a conductive second shell with a bottomed tube shape, which together provide waterproofing and noise shielding while maintaining a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waterproofing function is added to the receptacle connector, then the connector can prevent water ingress and improve safety, but the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements waterproofing by nesting seal members within the connector structure. The first seal member is positioned inside the connector housing, while the second seal member is nested within the first seal member's sealing region. This nested arrangement provides effective waterproofing without adding external complexity to the overall connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic seal members (flexible elements) to achieve waterproofing. The first seal member includes an elastic portion that can deform to seal gaps between the connector housing and mating connector. The second seal member similarly uses elastic properties to provide sealing. This approach enables effective waterproofing through material properties rather than complex structural designs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise shielding function is added to the receptacle connector, then the electronic substrate is protected from noise, but the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the signal terminals, and acts as a shield against electromagnetic noise. The conductive housing material provides noise shielding without requiring separate shielding components, thereby avoiding increased structural complexity while protecting the electronic substrate.
3Reliability
If multiple seal members are added to ensure waterproofing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing function is segmented into multiple seal members positioned at different locations within the connector. The first seal member seals the interface between the connector housing and mating connector, while the second seal member seals an internal interface. This segmentation allows each seal member to be optimized for its specific sealing location, improving overall sealing effectiveness while maintaining manageable assembly through clear functional division.
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 design effectively prevents water ingress and shields electronic substrates from noise, ensuring high safety and reliability with a simplified structure.
Implementation Method 1
the inner seal member is an elastic member that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction
Implementation Method 2
the outer seal member is a circular ring-shaped elastic member
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a receptacle connector (10) and a connector with simple structures, which include an added function such as a waterproofing function. The receptacle connector (10) includes: a signal terminal (1) that transmits signals between a plug connector side (L1) and an electronic substrate side (L2) in an extension direction (L); an insulating holder (2) that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction (L) and that holds the signal terminal (1) by being penetrated thereby; a conductive first shell (3) in the form of a tube that covers the outer circumference in the radial direction (R), which is orthogonal to the extension direction (L) of the holder (2); a non-conductive connector case (8) having a cylindrical space (E3) that contains the first shell (3) and extends in the extension direction (L); an inner seal member (4) that seals the inner portion of the first shell (3) in the extension direction (L); and an outer seal member (6) that seals the inner portion of the cylindrical space (E3) in the extension direction (L).