Seal Cover With Floating Interlock Connector For In-Vehicle Electric Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seal covers for in-vehicle electric devices experience slower connection speeds and compromised sealing due to the forcible connection of interlock connectors, which can displace the seal ring unevenly, affecting the sealing function.
Innovation Solution
A seal cover design featuring a seal ring holder with an interlock connector that can move at an angle to align with a waiting connector, allowing for precise connection while maintaining even seal ring compression, and utilizing a resilient lock for floating support to ensure accurate alignment and uniform sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interlock connector is forcibly connected to the waiting connector during seal cover attachment, then the connection is established, but the connection speed decreases and the seal ring becomes displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock connector is designed to move dynamically during the attachment process. It can shift position to accommodate tolerance variations in the waiting connector's arrangement, enabling smooth connection without forcing. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing rapid connection while maintaining reliable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the interlock connector and waiting connector. The guide structure aligns the interlock connector with the waiting connector before connection, facilitating smooth engagement without forcing. This intermediary mechanism enables both fast connection and reliable contact while preventing seal ring displacement.
2Reliability
If the interlock connector is forcibly connected to the waiting connector, then the connection is established, but the seal ring is squeezed unevenly affecting sealing function
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock connector is designed to move dynamically during attachment, adjusting its position to align with the waiting connector without forcing. This dynamic adjustment prevents transmission of connection forces to the seal ring holder, maintaining even seal ring compression and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure serves as an intermediary that absorbs and directs connection forces away from the seal ring holder. By guiding the interlock connector into proper alignment before connection, it prevents forceful engagement that would otherwise displace the seal ring and compromise sealing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the axial centers of the waiting connector and interlock connector deviate due to tolerance, then assembly is more tolerant, but connection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock connector is designed with movement capability that allows it to dynamically adjust its position during attachment. This enables the connector to accommodate axial center deviations caused by tolerance variations while automatically achieving accurate alignment with the waiting connector, maintaining both adaptability and connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary alignment mechanism that compensates for axial center deviations. It guides the interlock connector into precise alignment with the waiting connector despite tolerance variations in the waiting connector's arrangement, enabling both tolerance adaptability and connection accuracy.
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 design enhances connection accuracy and efficiency, ensuring proper centering of the seal cover and maintaining uniform seal ring compression, thereby improving the sealing performance around the opening.
Implementation Method 1
A groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the seal ring holder and the base of the interlock connector may be insertable into the groove with a clearance in a width direction. The resilient lock preferably is movable along the inserting direction between a position where the base contact the back surface of the groove and a position where the resilient lock engages the engaging portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal cover includes a cover main body (10) shaped to cover an opening of a case and to be attached to a surface of the case. A seal ring holder (20A) is on the underside of the cover main body (10) and is arranged to fit into the opening. A seal ring (25) is on the outer peripheral surface of the seal ring holder (20A) and closely contacts the inner peripheral surface of the opening. An interlock connector (40) projects from the seal ring holder (20A) for connecting to the waiting connector and sets an energizing circuit in an energized state or a non-energized state upon being connected to or separated from the waiting connector. The interlock connector (40) is mounted on the seal ring holder (20A) to be movable in a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction to the waiting connector.