Sealed Electrical Connection Device With Segmented Elastic Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection devices face difficulties in connecting and isolating cables from external environmental factors such as rain and temperature changes, as the protection device and connector are challenging to assemble while ensuring effective sealing.

Innovation Solution

A connection device comprising a protection device, a connector, and a seal with a first and second sealing element, where the first sealing element is mechanically connected to the protection device and engages the second sealing element to form a secure electrical connection, utilizing elastic materials like rubber and plastic to ensure a tight seal against external agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the protection device and connector are connected to form a sealed connection device, then the cables are isolated from external environmental factors, but the assembly process becomes difficult and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation from external environmental factorsVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into two separate sealing elements: a first sealing element attached to the protection device and a second sealing element attached to the connector. These two elements engage with each other during assembly to create the sealed connection, allowing the sealing function to be achieved through a simpler engagement process rather than requiring a complex pre-formed seal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements act as intermediary components between the protection device and the connector. Instead of directly connecting the two main components, the sealing elements mediate the connection by engaging with each other first, then connecting to their respective components, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a seal is added to connect the protection device and connector, then effective sealing against external agents is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing elements serve multiple functions: they provide the sealing barrier against environmental factors, act as mechanical connectors between the protection device and connector, and facilitate the assembly process through their engagement mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing components and connection mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding sealing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function and connection function are merged into the same components. The first and second sealing elements both provide sealing and simultaneously serve as the connection interface between the protection device and connector. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing gaskets and connection hardware, reducing the number of parts while maintaining both sealing effectiveness and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively isolates cables from external environmental factors, ensuring reliable and secure electrical connections by using elastic materials and precise mechanical engagement of sealing elements, enhancing durability and performance in outdoor applications.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing elastic materials like rubber and plastic to ensure a tight seal against external agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10873151B2Electrical connection device with seal between a protection device and a connector
Publication Date: 2020.12.22 TE CONNECTIVITY ITAL DISTRIBUTION SRL
  • US10873151B2 patent drawing
  • US10873151B2 patent drawing
  • US10873151B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection device comprises a protection device configured to protect a cable, a connector configured to electrically connect the connection device to an external electrical connection, and a seal connecting the protection device to the connector. The seal includes a first sealing element mechanically connected to the protection device and a second sealing element mechanically connected to the connector. The first sealing element engages the second sealing element to connect the protection device to the connector.