Terminal Waterproof Structure With Integrated Wire and Coating Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal waterproof structures in vehicles require complex processes like wrapping with tape or using heat-shrinkable tubes to achieve waterproofing, which is inefficient and may not provide adequate protection against water ingress.

Innovation Solution

A terminal waterproof structure that clamps both the core wire and insulating coating of an electric wire within tubular portions of the terminal, using clamping processes to form a watertight seal without the need for heat-shrinkable tubes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heat-shrinkable tube or tape is used to wrap the connecting point between terminal and electric wire, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waterproofing function with the terminal structure itself by forming an integrated tubular terminal body that includes both the electric wire connecting portion and the terminal waterproof portion. This eliminates the need for separate heat-shrinkable tubes or tapes, as the terminal housing itself provides the waterproof barrier through its integrated design with the coating clamping portion that secures the insulating coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal structure performs its own waterproofing function through the integrated design of the tubular terminal body and the coating clamping portion. The terminal housing itself, with its built-in coating clamping portion that engages with the insulating coating, provides the waterproof barrier without requiring external materials or additional components, making the terminal self-sufficient for waterproof protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a heat-shrinkable tube is applied to the connecting point, then waterproof performance is improved, but manufacturing time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the waterproofing structure as an integral part of the terminal housing that is prepared in advance during terminal manufacturing. The tubular terminal body with the built-in coating clamping portion is pre-formed to receive and secure the insulating coating, eliminating the need for post-assembly waterproofing steps such as applying heat-shrinkable tubes or tapes after the terminal and wire are connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If additional materials like heat-shrinkable tubes are used for waterproofing, then waterproof performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the waterproofing function with the terminal housing structure, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing materials. The tubular terminal body with its integrated coating clamping portion that secures the insulating coating serves dual purposes: electrical connection and waterproof protection, thereby reducing material costs associated with heat-shrinkable tubes or tapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4654388A1Terminal waterproof structure
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP4654388A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4654388A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4654388A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A terminal waterproof structure (10) includes an electric wire (11), and a terminal (20) attached to a terminal end portion of the electric wire (11). The terminal (20) includes a terminal connecting portion (21) being formed at a front end portion of the terminal (20), an electric wire connecting portion (23) in which a core wire (12) exposed from an insulating coating (13) is arranged, the electric wire connecting portion (23) being formed to have a tubular shape on a rear end side of the terminal (20), and a terminal waterproof portion (24) in which the insulating coating (13) is arranged, the terminal waterproof portion (24) being formed to have a tubular shape at a rear end portion of the terminal (20). The electric wire connecting portion (23) includes a core wire clamping portion (32) in which the core wire (12) is inserted and clamped. The terminal waterproof portion (24) includes a coating clamping portion (42) in which the insulating coating (13) is inserted and clamped.