Waterproof Connector Assembly With Latch-Slider Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for outdoor electronic devices face challenges in providing robust, water-resistant, and secure connections that can adapt to different types of cables and energy transmission modes, while preventing unintentional disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a waterproof outer housing featuring a latch mechanism and slider system, allowing for secure locking and unlocking, and accommodating various cable types and energy transmission modes through interchangeable module mating interfaces, including SFP, PoE/Ethernet, and combination Ethernet/Power, with a spring mechanism to compensate for terminal variances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to prevent unintentional disconnection, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and slider mechanisms are integrated into a single interlocking system where the slider moves along the latch to provide both locking and unlocking functions. This merging of functions into a unified mechanism achieves secure connection protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is positioned within the latch structure, with the slider moving along the length of the latch to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. This nested arrangement allows both components to work together in a compact configuration, providing robust connection security without excessive complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer housing is made waterproof, then protection from environmental impacts is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof seal is positioned between the inner and outer housings, allowing the seal to conform to slight manufacturing variations and assembly tolerances. This flexible sealing approach provides effective environmental protection while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes compared to rigid sealed constructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple module mating interfaces are provided for different cable types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is designed with multiple module mating interfaces that can accommodate different cable types and energy transmission modes. Each interface follows a standardized mounting pattern, allowing the same basic housing structure to serve multiple functions and support various connectors without requiring completely different designs for each application.
4Reliability
If a slider mechanism is added to lock the latch, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with automatic engagement features where the latch and slider mechanisms automatically align and engage when the connector is properly inserted. This preliminary positioning action reduces the manual effort required to secure the connection, maintaining ease of operation while achieving robust locking.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A connector assembly (1) comprises an outer housing (300); and a latch (330), which is carried by the outer housing (300), to allow a coupling of the connector assembly to a corresponding counter connector. Further, the outer housing (300) is configured to receive at least one of two different types of cables (100) through a first end and at least one of two different module mating interfaces (430, 432, 434) at a second end. In another embodiment the outer housing (300) is arranged movable on an inner housing (200), and the latch (330) is rotatably arranged on the outer housing (300).