Switch Housing Step Structure for Waterproof Lead Wire Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch devices lack sufficient waterproofness, leading to potential malfunction or damage when exposed to water, and existing seal technologies do not provide adequate protection.

Innovation Solution

A switch device design featuring a housing with a stepped bottom surface configuration, where a sealing member is compressed between the switch and a second bottom surface closer to the switch than the first, allowing for effective water discharge and enhanced adhesion between the sealing member and lead wires, ensuring waterproofness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing member is used to seal the lead wire, then waterproofness is improved, but water discharge capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidwater accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface of the housing is segmented into two distinct levels: a first bottom surface that serves as the primary sealing contact surface for the sealing member, and a second bottom surface that is lower and provides a drainage path. This segmentation allows the sealing member to seal against the first bottom surface while water can drain down to the second bottom surface and exit through the opening, thus resolving the contradiction between waterproofness and water discharge capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the sealing member is positioned close to the switch, then adhesion to lead wire is improved, but water discharge path is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing adhesionVSAvoidwater trapping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution introduces a vertical dimension to the housing bottom surface by creating two different levels (first and second bottom surfaces). The sealing member is positioned at the higher first bottom surface level, maintaining close proximity to the switch for strong adhesion, while the lower second bottom surface level provides a vertical drainage path for water to flow away from the sealed area, preventing water trapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 achieves excellent waterproofness by allowing water to be discharged and maintaining strong adhesion between the sealing member and lead wires, even under tensile loads, thus preventing water ingress and ensuring the switch device functions reliably in wet environments.

Implementation Method 1

enhanced adhesion between the sealing member and lead wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a sealing member compressed between the switch and a second bottom surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3937202B1Switch device and opening and closing detection device
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3937202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3937202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3937202B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A switch device includes a switch, a lead wire, a sealing member, and a housing. The switch includes a terminal provided on the outer side of the switch, the lead wire is fixed to the terminal, the sealing member seals a portion of the lead wire fixed to the terminal, and the housing is configured to house the sealing member. The housing has a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface. The first bottom surface has an opening through which the lead wire passes, and the second bottom surface is located closer to the switch than the first bottom surface. The sealing member abuts the second bottom surface.