Shielded Connector Sealing Structure for Liquid Ingress Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors allow liquid to flow between fitting parts, compromising the liquid tightness between the fitting part and the counterpart fitting part, which can lead to liquid reaching the terminal metal fitting.
Innovation Solution
The connector incorporates a first and second watertight member with annular shapes, where the second watertight member is crushed between the shell flange part and the wall surface, and a housing flange part is interposed between the shell flange part and the wall surface, with the second watertight member being pressurized to prevent liquid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connector structure with shield shell and flange part is used, then the connector can be assembled and fitted, but liquid can flow between the flange part and wall surface to reach the terminal metal fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The connector divides the sealing function into two separate watertight members: a first watertight member that seals the gap between fitting parts, and a second watertight member that seals the gap between the flange part and wall surface. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be optimized for its specific location and function, preventing liquid from reaching the terminal metal fitting through either path.
Solution Approach 2:
The second watertight member acts as an intermediary sealing element positioned between the flange part and wall surface. This intermediate barrier prevents liquid that enters the gap between flange and wall surface from flowing further into the gap between fitting parts and reaching the terminal metal fitting, thus mediating the liquid flow path.
2Reliability
If a single watertight member is used to seal the gap between fitting parts, then liquid tightness is partially improved, but liquid can still enter through the gap between flange part and wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two distinct watertight members positioned at different locations: the first watertight member seals the critical gap between fitting parts, while the second watertight member seals the gap between flange part and wall surface. This dual-segment approach ensures that even if liquid enters one gap, it cannot reach the terminal metal fitting due to the second barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds another sealing dimension by introducing a second watertight member at a different spatial location (between flange and wall surface) rather than relying solely on sealing the fitting part gap. This multi-dimensional sealing approach creates redundant barriers against liquid ingress from different paths.
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 design effectively reduces the amount of liquid flowing between fitting parts by maintaining liquid tightness, even under relative movement and dimensional variations, using ethylene propylene diene rubber for the second watertight member.
Implementation Method 1
a second watertight member with an annular shape that is crushed between the shell flange part and the wall surface of the counterpart wall body when in the fitting state
Implementation Method 2
using ethylene propylene diene rubber for the second watertight member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing having a fitting part that is inserted and fitted into a counterpart fitting part, a shield shell having a shell flange part disposed opposite a wall surface of a counterpart wall body with an interval therebetween, a first watertight member between the fitting part and the counterpart fitting part, and a second watertight member that is crushed between the shell flange part and a wall surface of the counterpart wall body. The housing has a housing flange part with an outer peripheral surface thereof disposed inside an outer peripheral edge of the shell flange part and outside an inner edge of the shell flange part, and with a contact surface with an annular shape in contact with the wall surface of the counterpart wall body.