Sealable Squib Connector with Bottom-End Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squib connectors in Safety Restraint Systems face issues with reliable sealing against moisture and dust, as the sealing ring is exposed to environmental stresses and can create friction that increases insertion force and may lead to a weakening of the mechanical connection over time.
Innovation Solution
A sealable squib connector system with a movable seal expansion element that expands the sealing ring only after the plug-in projection is fully inserted, providing a reliable seal without impairing the insertion process, using a seal expansion element with a cylindrical or truncated cone portion to increase the outer diameter of the sealing ring and establish a secure seal against moisture and dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing ring is arranged around the top rim of the connector receptacle and compressed between the upper rim of the receptacle and a sealing surface on the plug-connector, then a seal is established to protect against moisture and dust, but the sealing ring is exposed to environmental stresses (light, UV-radiation, mechanical, chemical) and the biasing force acts to urge the plug connector out of the receptacle, leading to mechanical connection weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the traditional location at the top rim of the connector receptacle and relocated to the bottom end of the receptacle. The sealing ring is now arranged at the bottom end of the receptacle and compressed between the bottom end of the receptacle and a sealing surface on the plug-connector, removing it from environmental exposure while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing arrangement is inverted from the conventional top-rim location to the bottom-end location. Instead of the sealing ring being exposed at the top, it is now positioned at the bottom end of the receptacle, reversing the traditional approach and eliminating environmental exposure while maintaining the sealing function.
2Reliability
If a sealing ring is compressed between the upper rim of the receptacle and a sealing surface on the plug-connector, then a seal is established, but the sealing acts against the plug-in direction of the connectors, thereby increasing the necessary insertion force
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing action direction is inverted by relocating the sealing ring to the bottom end of the receptacle. The sealing now occurs in the direction of insertion rather than against it, as the plug-connector pushes the sealing ring into the sealing surface at the bottom end, converting resistance into assistance during the mating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing action is integrated into the insertion process itself. As the plug-connector is inserted, the sealing ring is automatically compressed against the sealing surface at the bottom end, establishing the seal during insertion rather than requiring separate sealing action that would increase insertion force.
3Reliability
If a sealing ring is arranged at the top rim of the connector receptacle, then a seal is established, but the biasing force produced by the seal acts to urge the plug connector out of the receptacle, ultimately leading to a weakening of the mechanical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force direction is inverted by relocating the sealing ring to the bottom end of the receptacle. Instead of the seal urging the plug-connector outward, the seal now urges the plug-connector inward toward the receptacle, converting a destabilizing force into a stabilizing force that strengthens the mechanical connection over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing arrangement provides a counterbalancing force that opposes the outward urging tendency. By positioning the sealing ring at the bottom end, the compression force acts in the opposite direction to traditional seals, creating an inward biasing force that counteracts any tendency for the connectors to separate, thereby stabilizing the mechanical connection.
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 ensures a reliable and durable sealing effect that protects electrical connections from moisture and dust while maintaining easy assembly, as the sealing is established after insertion, reducing mechanical stress on the connectors and enhancing the longevity of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient sealing ring, which ring is provided at the mating face of the plug-in projection such that it is arranged between the mating face and the seal expansion element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to sealable squib connectors, in particular for airbag ignition systems. The connector including a connector housing with a plug-in projection, which plug-in projection has a mating face at its distal end; a seal expansion element; and a resilient sealing ring provided at the mating face of the plug-in projection between the mating face and the seal expansion element. The seal expansion element is being movable against the mating direction towards the mating face from an open position to a closed position thereby expanding the sealing ring.