USB-C Connection Module Assembly for Reliable Waterproof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic connectors, such as USB-C type connectors, often have unreliable waterproof seals due to small and inadequate sealing mechanisms, which can lead to leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
An electronic connection module comprising a USB-C connector with a first sealing ring, an intermediate housing with a recess for the sealing ring, an O-ring, and a biasing unit, secured by a module housing with a snap fit connection, ensuring reliable sealing through opposing forces on the sealing rings and O-ring, and a biasing unit that maintains contact during connector insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small sealing mechanisms are used in USB-C connectors, then the connector size is reduced, but the waterproof seal reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested sealing structure where an inner sealing ring is placed within the connector and an outer sealing ring is positioned in the housing, with both rings working together in a concentric arrangement. This nested configuration allows effective waterproof sealing without increasing the overall connector dimensions, as the sealing functions are distributed across multiple nested elements rather than requiring a single large seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof sealing function is segmented into multiple independent sealing rings (inner and outer) rather than relying on a single sealing mechanism. Each sealing ring handles a portion of the sealing task, with the inner ring sealing the connector interface and the outer ring sealing the housing interface. This segmentation improves overall reliability while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If additional securing components are added to improve seal reliability, then the waterproofing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the structural housing elements. The outer sealing ring is integrated into the housing structure, and the biasing unit is incorporated as part of the housing assembly rather than being a separate component. This merging of sealing and structural functions maintains high seal reliability while avoiding the need for additional standalone securing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing unit is designed to automatically maintain sealing pressure between the sealing rings and their mating surfaces without requiring external adjustment or additional securing mechanisms. The elastic deformation of the housing walls provides the necessary biasing force, allowing the sealing system to self-regulate and maintain integrity throughout the connector's operational life.
3Reliability
If tight tolerances are specified for sealing surfaces, then the seal quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying on tight dimensional tolerances to relying on elastic deformation parameters. The housing walls are designed with controlled elasticity to provide automatic biasing force, shifting the critical parameter from dimensional precision to material elastic properties. This allows for larger dimensional tolerances while maintaining seal quality through the elastic recovery and biasing action of the housing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with flexible, elastic material properties that allow the walls to deform under assembly forces and then recover, maintaining continuous contact pressure on the sealing rings. This flexibility compensates for dimensional variations in the assembled components, enabling effective sealing with relaxed tolerance requirements compared to rigid, precision-machined sealing surfaces.
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 provides enhanced waterproofing performance by maintaining seal integrity during connector use, allowing for larger dimensional tolerances and improved assembly efficiency without additional securing components.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit disposed between the module housing and the connection port, the biasing unit configured to bias the connection port towards a shelf of the intermediate housing
Implementation Method 2
a first sealing ring disposed on an outer surface of the connector at an open end of the connector... an O-ring disposed on an outer surface of the intermediate housing
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided an electronic connection module for mounting within an electronic device, the electronic connection module comprising: a connection port comprising a connector and a first sealing ring disposed on an outer surface of the connector at an open end of the connector, the open end being configured to receive a mating connector; an intermediate housing configured to receive the connection port, the intermediate housing comprising an inner surface against which the first sealing ring of the connection port interfaces to provide a seal between the inner surface of the intermediate housing and the connection port; a module housing configured to receive the intermediate housing and the connection port; a biasing unit disposed between the module housing and the connection port, the biasing unit configured to bias the connection port towards a shelf of the intermediate housing such that the open end of the connection port abuts the shelf of the intermediate housing to secure the connection port within the intermediate housing; and an O-ring disposed on an outer surface of the intermediate housing for interfacing with an inner surface of the electronic device, the O-ring being disposed between a ledge projecting from an outer surface of the intermediate housing and the module housing.