USB-C Connection Module With Nested Sealing for Waterproof Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof mountings for electronic connectors in devices like electric hair trimming appliances, such as USB-C connectors, are often small and unreliable, leading to inadequate sealing performance.
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, a biasing unit, and an O-ring for enhanced sealing, which includes a snap fit connection and a biasing unit to secure the connector within the module housing, ensuring reliable sealing against the device's internal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small sealing ring is used for USB-C connector waterproofing, then the device size is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested sealing structure where an O-ring is placed within a groove on the connector body, and an additional sealing ring is positioned on the connector's outer surface. This nested arrangement allows multiple sealing mechanisms to coexist in a compact space, providing redundant sealing without significantly increasing the overall connector volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is divided into multiple independent sealing rings positioned at different locations and orientations. The O-ring provides radial sealing, while the outer sealing ring provides axial sealing. This segmentation of the sealing function into multiple specialized components ensures reliable waterproofing while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If a robust sealing structure is implemented, then sealing performance is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector body incorporates both the O-ring groove and the outer sealing ring mounting structure, allowing both sealing mechanisms to be installed simultaneously during a single assembly operation. This merging of sealing functions into one integrated component maintains robust sealing performance while avoiding the need for multiple separate assembly steps.
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 significantly improves sealing performance by preventing warping of the sealing ring and providing a robust seal between the connector and the device, even during plugging and unplugging, while allowing for less stringent dimensional tolerances and easier assembly without external 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 inner surface against which the first sealing ring of the connection port interfaces to provide a seal
Implementation Method 3
an O-ring disposed on an outer surface of the intermediate housing for interfacing with an inner surface of the electronic device... being disposed between a ledge projecting from an outer surface of the intermediate housing and the module housing
Data Source
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.