Electronic Device Terminal Protection Structure with Transverse Compression Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transverse compression type waterproof structure for electronic device terminals makes it difficult to open the cover when using the connector or slot, hindering easy access.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device terminal protection structure featuring a groove with a hinge, latch member, and packing that allows for easy opening and closing, ensuring waterproofing without obstructing miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transverse compression type waterproof structure is used, then waterproofing performance is improved, but cover opening operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidcover opening operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the cover body by introducing a separate packing member. The packing is inserted into a groove on the cover and compressed against the socket opening, separating the sealing action from the cover structure itself. This allows the cover to open easily while the dedicated packing maintains waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A packing member acts as an intermediary between the cover and the socket opening. The packing is placed in a groove on the cover and compressed against the socket perimeter, serving as a mediator that provides the sealing function without requiring the cover itself to deform or compress, thus enabling easy cover operation while maintaining waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a packing is placed on the front side of the socket opening, then waterproofing is achieved, but the electronic device cannot be miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidelectronic device size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing approach transitions from a longitudinal compression method (requiring front-side space) to a transverse compression method. The packing is compressed horizontally against the socket opening perimeter rather than vertically from the front, utilizing the groove structure on the cover. This dimensional change eliminates the need for front-side margin space, enabling device miniaturization while maintaining waterproofing.

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

3Reliability

If a packing is inserted into the socket and compressed against the wall, then waterproofing is improved and miniaturization is enabled, but cover opening becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidcover opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packing is designed to be dynamically compressible within its groove. During cover closing, the packing is compressed against the socket opening to provide sealing. During cover opening, the packing can deform and release from the compressed state, allowing easy cover removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining strong sealing and enabling easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 structure provides a transverse compression type waterproof solution with an easy-to-open cover, enhancing usability and maintaining waterproof integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge member provided at one end of the cover plate; a hinge fixing portion to which the hinge member is pivotably fixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a packing arranged on the cover plate to be inserted into the socket and abut against a side wall of the socket when the cover is closed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10314188B2Electronic device terminal protection structure and electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US10314188B2 patent drawing
  • US10314188B2 patent drawing
  • US10314188B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device terminal protection structure includes: a groove including a socket that exposes a connector to the outside, and a cover covering the groove. The cover includes: a cover plate having a plate shape, a hinge member provided at one end of the cover plate, a latch member, provided at the other end of the cover plate to perform a sliding operation, and a packing inserted into the socket and that abuts against a side wall of the socket when the cover is closed. The groove includes: a hinge fixing portion to which the hinge member is pivotably fixed, a barb that is engaged with the latch member, and a guide slope that leads the cover in a direction of pulling out the packing from the socket when the latch member abuts against the guide slope during a sliding operation performed in conjunction with disengagement of the latch member.