Unitary Elastomeric Seal for Waterproof Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connector assemblies face challenges in protecting wires from foreign substances, such as water and contaminants, which can compromise the integrity and performance of the wire, especially in adverse conditions like those found in vehicles or other environments.
Innovation Solution
A connector kit comprising a housing, a wire-mounted component, and a single unitary seal made of elastomeric material that provides sealing surfaces for the wire, wire-mounted component, and housing, forming a tight friction fit to prevent penetration by foreign substances, thereby protecting the interior of the connector assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate seals are used to seal the wire, wire-mounted component, and housing, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate seals into a single integrated seal component that provides sealing surfaces for the wire, wire-mounted component, and housing simultaneously. This single seal includes multiple sealing surfaces formed on different portions of the same component, eliminating the need for multiple separate seal parts while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single seal component performs multiple sealing functions at once - it seals around the wire, seals with the wire-mounted component, and seals with the housing. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require several separate sealing elements.
2Device complexity
If a single unitary seal is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is formed from elastomeric material that provides inherent flexibility and compliance, allowing each sealing surface to adapt locally to its mating surface. This material property compensates for minor variations in manufacturing precision while maintaining effective seals at all contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric material changes the physical parameters of the seal, providing elasticity and compliance that accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The material's ability to deform and conform to mating surfaces reduces the stringency of precision requirements compared to rigid sealing materials.
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 solution effectively seals the connector assembly against water, contaminants, and other foreign substances, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the wire by preventing mechanical stress and maintaining electrical integrity across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
The seal comprises a single unitary body... structured to provide a seal for the wire-mounted component and a wire to protect an interior of the connector from penetration by foreign substances
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A connector (100) including a housing (110), a wire-mounted component (140), and a seal (120). In various embodiments, the seal (120) is configured to be coupled to the housing (110) and the wire-mounted component (140). The seal (120) includes a single unitary body, and the seal (120) is structured to provide a seal for the wire-mounted component (140) and a wire (130) to protect an interior of the connector from penetration by foreign substances.