Rubber Plug Assembly Self-Assembly via Leg Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rubber sealing plug bodies used in connectors are difficult to assemble with resin components due to their soft nature, requiring forced deformation and pulling, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A rubber plug assembly with a shaft and radially extending leg featuring a recess and projection system, where the leg can be resiliently deformed to insert into an assembling hole, allowing the rubber plug to self-assemble with a rubber plug holder using the natural reaction force, eliminating the need for manual deformation or pulling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resin holder is used to mount the rubber sealing plug body, then the positioning and sealing are improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to the need for forced deformation and pulling of the rubber component
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing the rubber plug into the holder through deformation, the invention inverts the approach by having the rubber plug's reaction force (when compressed by the tapered portion) automatically perform the assembly action. The rubber plug pushes against the projection during assembly, and this reaction force, combined with the tapered guide, enables self-assembly without external forcing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber plug assembly structure enables self-service assembly where the component itself provides the necessary force for assembly. When the leg is inserted into the assembling hole, the rubber plug's natural reaction force acts against the tapered portion of the projection, automatically guiding and securing the assembly without requiring external deformation or pulling operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the rubber plug is directly mounted on the cover, then the assembly process is simpler, but the positioning accuracy and ease of positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The projection acts as an intermediary element between the rubber plug and the cover. It provides a precise positioning interface through the recess-fit relationship, ensuring accurate positioning while still allowing the assembly to be completed through the self-service mechanism without complex external tools or processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the leg is forcibly deformed to assemble with the resin holder, then the assembly can be completed, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter interaction by introducing the tapered portion that converts the assembly action into a guided compression rather than forced deformation. The tapered geometry allows the leg to be inserted and secured through controlled compression and elastic recovery, eliminating time-consuming forced deformation operations.
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
This configuration significantly improves assembly efficiency by allowing the rubber plug to fit into the holder without obstruction, enabling easy and automatic assembly without manual force, enhancing both assembly speed and seal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
by resiliently deforming a part of the leg and a projection for positioning the rubber plug by being fit into the recess by a return of the leg that has passed through the assembling hole
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber plug assembly (40) includes a rubber plug (50) with a shaft (51) and waterproofs the interior of a housing (20). Legs (52) extend out in a radial direction from an axial end (51A) of the shaft (51). Recesses are in the legs (52) and are long in the radial direction. A cover (70) is to be fixed to the housing (20). A rubber plug holder (60) includes assembling holes (65) for allowing the legs (52) oriented in an axial direction to be inserted therein by resiliently deforming parts of the legs (52) and projections (66) for positioning the rubber plug (50) by being fit into the recesses as the legs (52) that have passed through the assembling holes (65) return. The projections (66) and the recesses are held in a fit state by fixing the rubber plug holder (60) to the cover (70).