Waterproof Connector with Nested Sealing and Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof connectors face challenges with noise immunity and size constraints, particularly in micro-USB connections, where electromagnetic interference leads to performance deterioration and increased size due to sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A watertight connector assembly with a metallic shell and comb-teeth structure, integrated with a metallic shield member and sealing member, which provides improved noise immunity and reduced size by positioning the sealing member deeper within the housing, enhancing waterproofing and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is attached along the outer circumference of the housing and a shell is mounted inside the housing, then waterproofing is improved, but the size of the connection device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is positioned inside the shell rather than outside, nesting the sealing function within the existing shell structure. This eliminates the need for additional outer sealing components and reduces the overall connector size while maintaining waterproofing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach transitions from a peripheral outer seal to an inner seal positioned at a different spatial location (inside the shell). This dimensional repositioning allows the seal to function effectively while occupying less external space.
2Reliability
If a gasket is located in the edge part vicinity at the side of plug insertion, then waterproofing is improved, but the thickness of the connector cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is nested within the shell structure at the inner side, utilizing the existing shell geometry to provide sealing without adding to the connector thickness. This internal nesting allows waterproofing without increasing external dimensions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If terminals are arranged within the metallic shell, then noise immunity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the terminals, acts as an electromagnetic shield for noise immunity, and contributes to the overall connector geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate shielding components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
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 reduces noise interference and maintains high waterproofing standards while minimizing the connector's size, addressing the limitations of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member, wherein the sealing member is brought into pressure contact with a face of a casing of an electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a metallic shield member... providing improved noise immunity
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device apparatus including a housing having tubular rectangle shape and a support portion integrally formed with the housing, a shell having a body portion with tubular rectangle shape, wherein the shell is supported by the support portion of the housing, and the body portion of the shell is provided with a first plurality of comb-teeth which project from an end side of an upper face of the body portion, a shield member configured to surround an end portion of the first plurality of comb-teeth of the body portion of the shell, and wherein the shield member is connected with the end portion of the first plurality of comb-teeth and the ground of the printed-circuit board, and a plurality of terminals arranged within the shell and supported by the support portion of the housing.