Waterproof Connector Gasket and Securing Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face issues with waterproofing connectors, such as earphone jacks or USB ports, due to gaps between the housing and the connector when inserted or removed, which can allow water ingress.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a main body with a gasket and a securing member, where the gasket is made of waterproof material and the securing member is elastic, ensuring a tight fit within the housing to prevent water entry by applying pressure through an inclined surface or projecting portion, even when the gap is less than the member's thickness or height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector is inserted into or pulled out from the housing opening, then the connector can be used for data or audio transmission, but a gap occurs between the opening and the connector allowing water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof gasket made of flexible waterproof material is disposed between the connector main body and the housing opening. The gasket can deform to fill the gap formed during connector insertion or removal, preventing water from entering through the gap while allowing the connector to be freely inserted and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof gasket acts as an intermediary element between the connector main body and the housing opening. It mediates the sealing function by filling the gap dynamically, enabling both water protection and connector operability without requiring the connector itself to change structure.
2Reliability
If a securing member is used to fix the connector in the opening, then the connector fit is secured, but the securing member thickness may exceed the gap size preventing proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is designed with elastic arms that can dynamically adjust their position. When the connector is installed, the elastic arms are elastically deformed to fit into the engaging groove, then return to their original state to provide continuous securing force. This dynamic adaptation allows the securing member to work effectively even when its thickness exceeds the initial gap size.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member utilizes elastic deformation to change its physical parameters (shape and position) during installation. The elastic arms can be compressed or bent to fit into the groove, then recover to provide securing force, allowing the securing member to adapt to varying gap conditions without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.
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 seals the connector within the housing, preventing water from entering the device and ensuring a secure fit, thus enhancing the waterproof functionality of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a securing member (130A, 130B) is disposed on the engaging portion 112 and used for fixing the main body 110 to the housing 200. The securing member 130A, 130B includes a base portion 131, 133 and two arms 132, 134 extending from the base portion 131, 133. When the connector 100 is plugged into the opening 210, the arms 132, 134 of the securing member 130A, 130B are elastically deformed and fit into an engaging groove 113
Implementation Method 2
A waterproof gasket 120 is disposed on the engaging portion 112 and located between the plug portion 111 and the housing 200. The gasket 120 defines a through-hole 121 to make the engaging portion 112 pass through. The gasket 120 is made of waterproof material
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is fixed in an opening of a housing of an electronic device. The connector comprises a main body housed in the opening, a gasket and a securing member. The main body comprises a plug portion, and an engaging portion connecting the plug portion. Furthermore, an engaging groove located on the engaging portion adjacent to the plug portion. The gasket located between the between the plug portion and the housing. The engaging portion sequentially passes through the gasket and the opening to make a part of the engaging groove away from the plug portion is located a side of the housing. The securing member partly engaged in the engaging groove and sandwiched between the engaging portion and the housing to fix the main body to the housing.