Retractable Seal Shroud for Compact Connector Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal shrouds for electrical connectors in automobiles are fixed and contribute to a larger construction that is difficult to package and install in tight spaces, compromising packaging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A retractable seal shroud design that moves between a first position covering the seal and a second position exposing it, facilitated by a locking mechanism and a track system, allowing for repositioning and secure coverage of the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed seal shroud is provided around the seal, then the seal is protected from external elements, but the construction size increases making packaging and installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal shroud is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between covering the seal during storage/transport and exposing the seal during operation. This dynamic design enables the assembly to maintain a compact size while still providing seal protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal shroud is separated from the housing as an independent movable component rather than being integrated into the housing structure. This segmentation allows the shroud to move independently relative to the housing, enabling compact packaging while maintaining seal protection capability.
2Volume of moving object
If a movable seal shroud is used, then packaging efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage the seal shroud with the housing without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The shroud self-locks into position during assembly and self-unlocks when needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the movable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A track system serves as an intermediary guide between the seal shroud and housing, providing a simple mechanical path for movement and alignment. This track-based intermediary simplifies the locking mechanism by defining the movement pathway and engagement points without requiring complex actuators or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing and a seal shroud. The housing includes a seal positioned along an exterior surface of the housing. The seal shroud is adjacent to the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The seal shroud at least partially covers the seal of the housing in the second position. The seal shroud exposes the seal to an interior facing surface of a second connector in the first position. The second connector is configured to couple with the connector.