Sealed Electrical Connector Radial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector assemblies face challenges in maintaining a seal around wires, especially in harsh environments like aviation, where temperature, pressure, and humidity extremes can lead to corrosion and degradation, due to inadequate sealing by resiliently deformable wire grommets.
Innovation Solution
A sealed electrical connector assembly is designed with a substantially rigid front and rear connector body, a resiliently deformable wire grommet, and a threaded nut, where the nut's tightening causes the rearward portion of the grommet to be radially compressed by a tapered segment of the rear axial passage, enhancing the seal around the wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resiliently deformable wire grommet is employed to seal around wires, then the connector provides some sealing capability, but the seal is inadequate in harsh environments leading to corrosion and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the grommet from an uncompressed resilient state to a radially compressed state. The compression modifies the physical parameters of the grommet material, enhancing its sealing properties. The compressed state creates a more effective barrier against environmental factors while maintaining the resilient characteristics needed for sealing around wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-compressing the grommet within the connector assembly before the wires are fully installed and sealed. The tapered bore structure is designed to automatically compress the grommet as components are assembled, preparing the sealing surface in advance to ensure optimal sealing performance from the outset.
2Reliability
If the grommet is compressed radially to improve sealing, then the seal around wires is enhanced, but the grommet material must be resiliently deformable which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different structural zones within the grommet. The grommet has a tapered bore that provides gradual compression, and the wall thickness is varied to accommodate the compression while maintaining structural integrity. This localized variation in geometry allows the grommet to be compressed effectively without requiring complex overall结构设计.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the grommet structure into functional zones: a tapered bore section for compression, a cylindrical section for wire passage, and sealing surfaces. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall design by breaking down the complex compression requirement into manageable geometric sections.
3Reliability
If a tapered segment is used to compress the grommet, then radial compression is achieved, but the connector assembly requires additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the tapered bore to serve multiple functions: it acts as the compression mechanism for the grommet, provides a guide for wire insertion, and structures the overall assembly pathway. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compression devices or additional structural components, achieving reliable seal compression while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the compression function with the structural housing of the connector. The tapered bore is integrated directly into the connector body, combining the sealing compression mechanism with the overall structural support system. This integration eliminates separate compression components and simplifies the total assembly structure.
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 provides improved sealing, preventing corrosion and degradation by ensuring a secure, radially compressed seal even with non-circular wires or those having spiral-wound insulation, effectively isolating electrical contacts and wires from the environment.
Implementation Method 1
compress radially the rearward portion of the grommet and two or more of the wire-sealing segments of each wire passage therein
Implementation Method 2
resiliently deformable wire grommet... form a seal around the corresponding inserted wire
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly comprises front and rear connector bodies, a wire grommet with wire passages, and a nut. Tightening the nut forces a rearward portion of the grommet into a tapered segment of a passage through the rear connector body, thereby radially compressing the grommet and sealing the wires passing therethrough.