Waterproof Connector Cap Structure With Elastic Dual Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies for electronic devices require complex configurations and additional space to prevent water ingress, often leading to complications in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof cap with an elastic material design, featuring a cap body with a first protruding portion that contacts the entire periphery of the insertion port and a second protruding portion that contacts inner surfaces of the connector, providing a simple and effective sealing mechanism without the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lid member with claw portions and O-ring is used to prevent water ingress, then water sealing is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated and additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated waterproof cap structure. The elastic material body integrates the sealing function (replacing O-ring), the protruding portion for insertion port engagement, and the connector engagement function (replacing claw portions) into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate O-rings and complex claw mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid materials (conventional lid members) to elastic material. This parameter change enables the waterproof cap to achieve sealing through elastic deformation when pressed against the insertion port, replacing the need for separate O-rings and complex mechanical engagement structures.
2Reliability
If claw portions protrude to prevent scratching of the inner peripheral surface, then water stop effect is maintained, but the insertion port configuration becomes complicated and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from rigid claw portions to an elastic material body that achieves water stopping through elastic compression. The protruding portion engages with the insertion port edge, and the elastic material compresses to create the water stop effect without requiring claw portions to protrude beyond the inner peripheral surface, thus saving space and simplifying the insertion port configuration.
3Device complexity
If a simple waterproof cap design is used, then the configuration is simplified, but sufficient holding force may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic material properties to generate holding force. When the waterproof cap is installed, the elastic material body is compressed between the insertion port edge and the connector, creating elastic restoring force that provides sufficient holding force to secure the cap in place without requiring complex mechanical fastening structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material body automatically generates the necessary holding force through its elastic properties during installation. The protruding portion engages with the insertion port edge, and the elastic compression self-generates the holding force needed to secure the waterproof cap, eliminating the need for additional fastening mechanisms.
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 effectively prevents water from entering the electronic device while maintaining a compact design, enhancing the holding force of the cap and simplifying the connector assembly configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the first protruding portion is press-fitted to the insertion port of the housing and contacts an entire periphery of an inner peripheral surface of the insertion port while being elastically compressed
Implementation Method 2
the second protruding portion is inserted into the connector and contacts at least two inner surfaces of the connector facing each other while being elastically compressed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a connector, a housing having an insertion port, and a waterproof cap detachably attached to the housing to close the insertion port, the waterproof cap having a cap body, a first protruding portion continuously surrounding an entire periphery of an outer peripheral surface of the cap body, and a second protruding portion disposed on a front end side of the cap body in a fitting direction from a position at which the first protruding portion is disposed, when the waterproof cap is attached to the housing, the first protruding portion being press-fitted to the insertion port and contacting an entire periphery of an inner peripheral surface of the insertion port while being elastically compressed, the second protruding portion being inserted into the connector and contacting at least two inner surfaces of the connector facing each other while being elastically compressed.