Switch Housing Seal Structure for Stable Watertight Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching apparatuses face challenges in maintaining stable water-proofness, drip-proofness, and dust-proofness, particularly in manufacturing complexity and quality stability, due to the need for precise sealing between components and increased processing time for two-color molding.
Innovation Solution
A switching apparatus design featuring a sealing member made of closed-cell sponge material with a bonding layer, integrated into a flange and recessed portion configuration, which enhances watertightness by compressing the sealing member during attachment, reducing the need for additional sealing components and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-color molding is used to provide an elastomeric rib on the mounting surface, then water-proofness and sealing performance are improved, but processing time increases and manufacturability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the case structure and implemented as a separate elastomeric sealing member that can be independently manufactured and attached. This eliminates the need for two-color molding of the case itself, reducing processing time while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing material is extracted from the integrated two-color molded structure and provided as a separate sealing member. This allows the case to be manufactured without the time-consuming two-color molding process, while the sealing function is achieved through the separate elastomeric component.
2Ease of manufacture
If a double structure with outer case and inner case is used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but sealing complexity and quality stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing functions between the outer case and mating member, and between the inner case and mating member, are merged into a single integrated elastomeric sealing member. This simplifies the sealing system, reduces the number of sealing interfaces, and improves quality stability while maintaining assembly flexibility.
3Reliability
If additional sealing components are added to ensure water-proofness, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing member is designed to perform multiple sealing functions simultaneously: sealing between the outer case and mating member, and sealing between the inner case and mating member. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of sealing components needed while ensuring comprehensive water-proofness.
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 ensures high watertightness even in vibration environments, reduces manufacturing complexity, and stabilizes quality by compressing the sealing member effectively, thereby maintaining sufficient water-proofness, drip-proofness, and dust-proofness.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the sealing member during attachment
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric material having elasticity is provided at the opening of the case
Implementation Method 3
a bonding layer on a surface of the sealing member facing the attaching portion and the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A switching apparatus includes an outer case including an opening that is open in a first direction, an inner case disposed in the outer case, a switch unit provided in the inner case, and a sealing member. The outer case includes a recessed portion around the opening and an attaching portion extending in a flange shape around the recessed portion. The inner case includes an insertion portion in the outer case, a plate-like flange connected to the insertion portion, and a connecting terminal at an opposite side of the flange from the insertion portion, the connecting terminal protruding in the first direction. The sealing member is disposed astride a surface of the flange where the connecting terminal is provided and an attaching surface around the recessed portion of the attaching portion, the sealing member covering an exposed portion of the recessed portion located around the flange.