Triangular Electrical Connector Assemblies for Waterproof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in achieving effective waterproofing sealing between mated connectors, particularly in maintaining a reliable seal across the interface.
Innovation Solution
The design features a first and second connector with insulative housings composed of a bottom wall, side wall, and right triangular end walls, coupled in a complementary manner with oblique hypotenuses, incorporating a sealing member in a frame structure at the interface to enhance sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are coupled in a rectangular structure, then structural simplicity is maintained, but waterproofing sealing at the interface is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing from a conventional rectangular connector interface to a right triangular interface. The hypotenuse of the right triangle forms an oblique mating surface that provides superior sealing characteristics. This asymmetric geometric configuration enables the sealing member to effectively prevent water ingress while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by using the oblique hypotenuse surface of the right triangle instead of a conventional flat or curved sealing surface. This oblique orientation creates a multi-directional sealing mechanism that blocks water ingress from multiple angles, enhancing waterproofing performance without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a sealing member is added to the interface, then waterproofing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is strategically positioned at the critical interface region where water ingress is most likely to occur. By concentrating the sealing function at this specific location rather than throughout the entire connector assembly, the patent achieves effective waterproofing with minimal additional complexity. The local application of the sealing member optimizes the balance between reliability and simplicity.
3Reliability
If rectangular end walls are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but sealing effectiveness at the interface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The right triangular end wall configuration with its oblique hypotenuse surface provides superior sealing geometry compared to conventional rectangular designs. The asymmetric shape creates natural sealing angles that enhance the effectiveness of the sealing member while the overall structure remains relatively simple to manufacture using standard molding techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector mateable with each other wherein each of the first connector and the second connector has an insulative housing essentially composed of a bottom wall, a side wall and a pair of end walls wherein all the bottom wall and the side wall are rectangular while the end walls are right triangular. The first connector and he second connector are coupled with each other in a complementary manner with the corresponding hypotenuses of the right triangles confronting each other. A sealing member of a frame structure is located at an interface between the coupled edges of the housings in an oblique manner.