Waterproof Connector With Bendable Board And Compressible Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors are not suitable for small unmanned vehicles operating in aquatic environments due to lack of waterproofing, susceptibility to corrosion, and high cost, and they often fail when exposed to water or are too bulky and heavy.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, robust waterproof connector with pins secured to a flexible or bendable board, encased in a compressible material that provides a biasing force and deformable sealing surface, allowing for effective sealing and preventing short circuits even when water is introduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional connectors are used in small unmanned vehicles, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the connectors are too bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a housing, a seal element, and electrical contacts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and function, reducing overall connector mass while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible seal elements and thin-walled housing structures that provide waterproof protection without adding significant weight. The flexible materials allow for compact designs that maintain protective functions while minimizing mass
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but they are not waterproof and susceptible to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated seal element acts as an intermediary component between the housing and external environment, providing waterproof protection. This separate seal component is easier to manufacture and replace than integrating sealing into the main housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses composite construction combining corrosion-resistant materials for electrical contacts with waterproof materials for the housing and seal. This composite approach provides both corrosion resistance and waterproofing while maintaining manufacturability
3Reliability
If conventional waterproof connectors are used, then extended use is possible, but they are too expensive to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design accepts that the electrical contacts may be consumable components that can be replaced rather than the entire connector assembly. This allows use of simpler, less expensive materials for the contacts while maintaining waterproof integrity through the reusable housing and seal
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 a lightweight, cost-effective, and reliable waterproof connector that can operate in harsh aquatic environments, preventing short circuits and corrosion while integrating seamlessly into lightweight vehicles, enhancing their operational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible material is capable of providing a biasing force on the plurality of pins upon mating with a mating surface
Implementation Method 2
The compressible material forms a deformable sealing surface for mating with the mating surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one possible embodiment, a waterproof connector is provided having pins secured to a bendable board. The bendable board and a portion of each of the pins are encased in a compressible material capable of providing a biasing force on the plurality of pins upon mating with a mating surface. The compressible material also provides a deformable sealing surface for mating with the mating surface.