Sealed Circuit Board Connectors Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face issues with foreign matter and moisture infiltration between connectors, leading to electrical failures and damage, particularly when submerged in water, due to the lack of effective sealing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus is designed with a sealing member and a coupling member between circuit boards to prevent foreign matter and moisture ingress, featuring a sealing member that seals the gap between connectors and a coupling member that ensures reliable electrical connection while preventing lifting, utilizing a sealing member that directs water into a guide opening before it reaches the connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If connectors are connected without a waterproofing member or foreign matter prevention member, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but foreign matter and moisture can infiltrate through gaps between connectors causing electrical failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector assembly simplicityVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second circuit boards. This sealing member fills the gap between connectors and prevents foreign matter and moisture from reaching the electrical connection interface, thereby maintaining reliability without complicating the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member is implemented as a flexible sealing structure that can adapt to the gap between connectors. This flexible sealing film effectively blocks the infiltration path of foreign matter and moisture while maintaining the simplicity of the connector assembly structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a sponge is attached between connector stiffener and circuit board to prevent foreign matter inflow, then foreign matter infiltration is delayed, but lifting occurs between connectors causing fastening failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter infiltration resistanceVSAvoidconnector fastening stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic sponge is removed from the connector assembly. Instead, a dedicated sealing member is positioned between the circuit boards to perform the foreign matter prevention function, eliminating the lifting issue caused by the sponge while maintaining protection against infiltration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member serves as an intermediary that provides foreign matter prevention without the adverse lifting effects of the sponge. It maintains stable connector fastening while effectively blocking the infiltration path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If connectors are sealed with a sealing member between circuit boards, then foreign matter and moisture infiltration is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidconnector assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged into the existing circuit board assembly structure. The sealing member is positioned between the first and second circuit boards, combining the sealing function with the structural support function of the circuit board assembly, thereby achieving waterproofing without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If connectors are connected without effective sealing, then the device is easier to assemble, but water immersion causes water inflow through gaps leading to electrical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector assembly easeVSAvoidwater infiltration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary component between circuit boards to block the water infiltration path. This sealing member prevents water from reaching the connector interface during immersion while maintaining the ease of connector assembly through simple positioning between boards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10109946B2Sealed circuit board connectors and electronic device including same

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first circuit board; a first connector provided on one face of the first circuit board; a second circuit board disposed on the one face of the first circuit board, and electrically connected to the first circuit board; a second connector provided on one face of the second circuit board, and engaged with the first connector to electrically connect the second circuit board to the first circuit board; a sealing member disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board to seal a space between the first connector and the second connector; and a coupling member coupling the first circuit board and the second circuit board to each other.