Shielded Connector Sealing via Flange Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The industry demands a shielded connector that can reduce its size while maintaining waterproofing to prevent liquids from entering the gap between a target object and the connector housing, which existing designs fail to achieve effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shielded connector design featuring a shielding shell with a tube portion and a flange portion fastened to the target object, an annular sealing member sandwiched between the flange and the object, and the connector housing with an end portion projecting beyond the flange, ensuring the sealing member compresses to prevent liquid ingress through two distinct paths without increasing the connector's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof structure is added to prevent liquid ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproof sealing function with the existing flange portion of the shielding shell. The annular sealing member is integrated into the groove of the flange portion, merging the sealing function with the fastening structure rather than adding a separate waterproofing component. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portion of the shielding shell serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical fastening to the target object and simultaneously houses the sealing member for waterproofing. The groove in the flange portion acts as both a mounting feature and a sealing chamber, making the structure multi-functional and reducing the need for additional components.
2Reliability
If the connector housing is extended to cover the gap, then reliability is improved, but length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproofing function from the connector housing and assigns it to the flange portion of the shielding shell. By removing the requirement for the connector housing to extend beyond the flange for sealing purposes, the housing length is minimized while maintaining reliable liquid prevention through the sealing member positioned at the flange.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing members are used to seal both gaps, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing of both gaps (between flange and target object, and between connector housing and flange) into a single annular sealing member. This single sealing member is strategically positioned to address both potential liquid ingress paths simultaneously, reducing the number of parts while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single annular sealing member performs multiple sealing functions: it seals the gap between the flange and the target object, and it also seals the gap between the connector housing and the flange. This multi-functional sealing approach reduces part count while ensuring comprehensive liquid prevention.
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 effectively prevents liquid entry into the connector housing while minimizing its size and weight by using a single sealing member, reducing the number of parts and maintaining a tight seal without the need for additional flange portions on the connector housing.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing member closely contacts with the wall portion by being compressed toward the wall portion and closely contacts with an outer surface of the connector housing by being compressed toward the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A shielded connector includes a shielding shell, a connector housing, and an annular sealing member. The shielding shell has a tube portion and a flange portion formed at an end of the tube portion. The flange portion is fastened to a wall portion having a hole of a target object to which the shielded connector is fastened. The connector housing is covered with the tube portion and has an end portion projecting in an axial direction beyond the flange portion and inserted in the hole. The sealing member is sandwiched between the flange portion and the wall portion. The sealing member closely contacts with the wall portion by being compressed toward the wall portion and closely contacts with an outer surface of the connector housing by being compressed toward the outer surface.