Waterproof Audio Jack Connector Sealing via Segmented Glue Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof audio jack connectors lack an effective structural design for sealing and waterproofing, particularly in the interspace between the contacts and the insulative housing.
Innovation Solution
The audio jack connector features an insulative housing with passageways and slits, contacts with retaining and horizontal portions, a glue plate, and a glue frame with protrusions that are seamlessly sandwiched between the glue plate and the insulative housing, creating a sealed environment to prevent water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional waterproofing methods (solidified glue portion) are used, then the connector achieves basic waterproofing, but the sealing effectiveness in interspaces between contacts and housing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into multiple segments: the glue frame with protrusions for interspace sealing, the glue plate for surface sealing, and the solidified glue portion for gap filling. Each segment targets specific sealing needs in different locations, improving overall waterproofing effectiveness while maintaining structural clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach transitions from two-dimensional surface coating to three-dimensional multi-level sealing. The glue frame protrusions extend into interspaces, creating vertical sealing barriers that block water ingress paths from multiple directions, thereby enhancing waterproofing in complex geometries.
2Reliability
If more sealing materials are added to improve waterproofing, then water ingress prevention improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The glue frame and glue plate are pre-assembled onto the insulative housing before final contact insertion and sealing. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and alignment, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by reducing adjustment needs during later stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions on the glue frame serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the housing and contacts. These protrusions are seamlessly sandwiched between contacts and housing, providing a mechanical interface that facilitates precise positioning and effective sealing without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sealing structure is simplified, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the ability to seal interspaces between contacts and housing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different sealing components are applied to different locations based on specific sealing needs. The glue frame with protrusions targets interspaces between contacts and housing, the glue plate covers the mounting surface, and the solidified glue portion fills remaining gaps. This localized approach ensures effective sealing where needed while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio jack connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a number of passageways (111) and a number of slits (112) beside the passageways, and a number of contacts (2) retained in the passageways. Each contact includes a retaining portion (22) retained in the passageway, a contacting portion (21) extending inwardly from the retaining portion, and a horizontal portion (23) bent outwardly from the retaining portion and being located in a bottom face (11) of the insulative housing. The audio jack connector includes a glue plate (3) assembled to the bottom face of the insulative housing. The audio jack connector includes a glue frame (4) having a base portion (41) seamlessly sandwiched between the glue plate and the insulative housing, and a number of protrusions (42) seamlessly sandwiched between the horizontal portions of contacts and the insulative housing. The protrusions are received in the slits.