Waterproof Connector Assembly With Low Fitting Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small connector assemblies face challenges in achieving both size reduction and improved waterproofing, with existing press-fitting structures requiring excessive force and degrading usability, and coating agents interfering with electrical connections due to aging.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring island-shaped raised and recessed portions on the connectors, allowing for displacement of terminals to abut inner walls upon fitting, concentrating force application and enhancing waterproofing without excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a press-fitting structure is employed to improve waterproof function, then waterproofing is improved, but excessive fitting force is required which degrades usability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into multiple receiving portions (first receiving portion, second receiving portion, third receiving portion) that engage with corresponding protrusions on the mating connector. This segmentation distributes the sealing function across multiple locations, achieving waterproofing without requiring excessive force at any single point.
Solution Approach 2:
Different receiving portions are designed with different engagement characteristics - the first receiving portion engages a center protrusion for alignment, the second receiving portion engages a support wall for structural support, and the third receiving portion engages an outer peripheral wall for sealing. This local differentiation optimizes both waterproofing and fitting force distribution.
2Volume of moving object
If connector size is reduced, then size reduction is achieved, but waterproof function becomes harder to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests multiple functional elements within a compact structure - the island-shaped protrusion contains terminal engagement features, the receiving portions are nested within the housing walls, and the sealing surfaces are integrated into the fitting interfaces. This nesting achieves waterproofing in a miniaturized connector without requiring additional external sealing components.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a connector assembly including: a first connector; and a second connector fitted to the first connector. The first connector has a first housing and a first terminal held on the first housing. The second connector has a second housing and a second terminal held on the second housing. The first housing has an island-shaped raised portion, a first inner peripheral wall, a first receiving portion, a first outer peripheral wall, and a recessed portion. The second housing has a second inner peripheral wall, an island-shaped recessed portion, a second outer peripheral wall, and a second receiving portion. Upon fitting of the first connector and the second connector, the first terminal is displaced by contact between the first terminal and the second terminal, and part of the displaced first terminal abuts an inner wall of the second outer peripheral wall.