Waterproof Case Assembly with O-Ring Retention During Screw Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof case assembly structures face instability in waterproof capabilities due to stretching or twisting of gaskets when screws are fastened, and there is a risk of the O-ring coming out of position during assembly, leading to potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof case assembly structure that includes bosses on each case fixed by screws with an annular sealing body sandwiched between them. The structure features an annular groove on one case and branch grooves on the other, with tongue pieces extending into these grooves and a pressing member to secure the tongue pieces in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screws are inserted directly into the O-ring to fasten cases, then the assembly is simplified and screws can be easily positioned, but the O-ring may stretch or twist during fastening, degrading waterproof capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boss part as an intermediary component between the screw and the O-ring. The boss part includes a through-hole for screw insertion and an abutting face that positions the O-ring, allowing screws to be fastened without directly contacting or deforming the O-ring, thus maintaining waterproof capability while simplifying assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the fastening function (screw insertion through boss part) from the sealing function (O-ring placement on abutting face). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function: screws can be easily inserted through the boss part while the O-ring remains undisturbed on the abutting face, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable waterproofing
2Reliability
If boss parts are used to sandwich the O-ring between abutting faces, then waterproof capability is stabilized by preventing screw contact with the O-ring, but the O-ring may come out of position during assembly and cannot be visually checked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as color-coded features or visible alignment marks) on the O-ring or surrounding structures that allow operators to easily detect whether the O-ring is properly positioned on the abutting face during assembly, making position verification simple and intuitive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates guide structures or positioning features on the abutting face that preliminarily guide the O-ring into the correct position during assembly, preventing misplacement before final tightening occurs, thus ensuring proper positioning without requiring complex verification steps
3Device complexity
If the O-ring is placed on the abutting face without additional securing structures, then the assembly structure is simplified, but the O-ring may come off during assembly or operation, degrading waterproof capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The boss part serves as an intermediary structure that provides both the through-hole for screw insertion and the abutting face for O-ring placement. This integrated design secures the O-ring in position during assembly without requiring additional complex securing structures, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the abutting face with appropriate dimensions and positioning features that preemptively prevent the O-ring from shifting or coming off during assembly and operation, providing built-in protection against misalignment without adding extra securing components
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to achieve stable waterproof capabilities and assembly guarantee for sealing. An assembly structure of a waterproof case is a structure in which bosses each provided for a different one of first and second cases being separate are fixed by a screw, while an annular sealing body is sandwiched at a part where the bosses abut against each other. The assembly structure includes: an annular groove which is provided so as to surround the screw on an abutting face of the boss of the first case and with which the sealing body is arranged; a plurality of branch grooves being contiguous with the annular groove and extending outside an annular shape thereof; tongue pieces provided so as to extend outside an annular shape of the sealing body and inserted into the branch grooves; and a pressing member being attached, as a separate element, to the first case and pressing the tongue pieces inside the branch grooves.