Waterproof Torch Sealing Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof flashlights have soft and less resistant switch covers that wear out quickly due to heavy use and transport, requiring frequent replacement, and lack a robust design.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof flashlight design featuring a sealing element with an elastic cap between the push button and pressure switch, made of scratch and impact-resistant materials like coated light metal or plastic, with a threaded connection and annular clamping surface to ensure a secure and watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft rubber switch cover is used for the pressure switch, then the flashlight achieves waterproofing, but the switch cover wears out quickly due to heavy use and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic sealing cap (flexible element) that is pressed against a sealing surface by a spring element to maintain waterproofing. The flexible nature of the cap allows it to conform to the sealing surface while the spring provides continuous contact force, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring the entire switch cover to be made of soft material.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element pre-compresses the elastic sealing cap against the sealing surface, creating a cushioning effect that absorbs mechanical shocks and vibrations from heavy use and transport. This pre-compression ensures the seal remains effective even under external loads, preventing the switch cover from wearing out quickly.
2Strength
If the entire housing is made of robust material, then scratch and impact resistance is improved, but waterproofing becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the housing: the main housing is made of robust material (aluminum or plastic) for strength, while the sealing cap is made of elastic material for flexibility and sealing. This local differentiation allows the housing to be both strong and waterproof.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing cap acts as an intermediary element between the robust housing and the pressure switch mechanism. It provides the necessary flexibility for sealing while allowing the main housing to maintain its robust construction for scratch and impact resistance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the push button assembly is made robust and permanent, then durability is improved, but ease of repair and replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the push button assembly into separate functional components: the end cap, the pressure switch, the spring element, and the elastic sealing cap. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced independently, improving ease of repair while maintaining the overall robustness of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides dynamic functionality to the push button assembly, allowing it to return to its original position after actuation. This dynamic mechanism enhances durability by distributing mechanical stress over time while maintaining simple replaceable components.
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 provides a robust and durable flashlight that is less prone to damage, maintaining water tightness and reducing the need for frequent replacement of the switch cover, while ensuring easy actuation of the pressure switch.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element which is a cap made of an elastic material, the cap having an annular clamping surface and an elevation protruding therefrom
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a torch comprising a housing (2), a battery housing (4) which is mounted therein and which has a pressure switch (5) on one end, and an end cap (6) with a push button (7) which is actively connected to the pressure switch. According to the invention, in order to provide a waterproof and at the same time robust torch, a sealing element (13) is arranged between the push button and the pressure switch.