Trapezoidal Packing Protrusion Prevents Rotation in EV Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional L-shaped connectors for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles face issues with the housing packing rotating during assembly, leading to potential waterproofing failures due to deformation of the protrusion when a large force is applied.
Innovation Solution
A packing arrangement structure featuring an annular packing with a protruding portion and a recessed portion, where the protruding portion is formed in a trapezoidal shape and the recessed portion has acute angles, preventing rotation by applying force away from the annular portion main body when a rotational force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protrusion is inserted into and fitted to the small hole of the flange portion to fix the housing packing, then the housing packing is fixed to the shield shell, but the housing packing may rotate and displace when large force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is designed with an asymmetric trapezoidal cross-section where the circumferential dimension at the top portion is greater than at the basal part. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotation by creating a geometric constraint that does not allow the protrusion to rotate within the recessed portion, while still allowing insertion in the correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional constraint by making the protrusion's circumferential dimension vary along its length (greater at top, smaller at base). This creates a tapered fit that prevents rotation in the circumferential dimension while maintaining the insertion function in the axial dimension.
2Device complexity
If the protrusion is made with a simple cylindrical shape, then the structure is simple, but the packing rotates during assembly when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion uses a trapezoidal cross-section instead of a cylindrical one, creating an asymmetric shape that prevents rotation. This adds minimal geometric complexity while significantly improving assembly reliability by preventing packing rotation during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a packing arrangement structure which can prevent rotation of a packing. The packing arrangement structure includes an annular packing disposed between a first member and a second member. The packing includes an annular portion main body extending in an axial direction of the packing and a protruding portion protruding from the annular portion main body in an outward direction or in an inward direction. The first member is provided with a recessed portion configured to house the protruding portion and formed into a shape corresponding to the protruding portion. The protruding portion is formed such that a circumferential dimension of a top portion thereof located in a protruding direction is greater than a circumferential dimension between basal parts thereof.