Waterproof Electric Connector Module Sealing Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproof connectors for mobile electronic devices face challenges in achieving effective waterproofing due to complex interfaces between the iron housing and insulated seat, making it difficult to implement a comprehensive waterproof structure that covers the entire connector, especially with terminals protruding for soldering.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof electric connector module featuring an elongated insulated housing with aligned front and rear entries, a blocking plate, and a sealed structure formed by curing liquid plastic material, which includes a waterproof ring and a fastener with snap connections, ensuring the terminals are sealed and protected from water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof washer is clamped between the iron housing and the insulated seat, then the connector can be assembled, but the complex interface structure makes waterproofing difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof effectVSAvoidinterface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the waterproofing function into separate components: the first waterproof seal structure at the front entry and the second waterproof seal structure at the rear entry. This segmentation allows each seal to independently address waterproofing at specific locations, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking plate serves as an intermediary component that blocks the rear entry, while the waterproof seal structures act as intermediaries between water and the connector components. These intermediary elements effectively prevent water infiltration without requiring complex interfacing between the iron housing and insulated seat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the whole connector is covered with a waterproof structure, then waterproofing effect is improved, but assembly becomes difficult due to exposed terminals for soldering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof effectVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies waterproofing locally at the entry points (front entry and rear entry) rather than covering the entire connector. The waterproof seal structures are specifically positioned where water infiltration is most likely to occur, providing effective protection while leaving the terminal areas accessible for soldering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fully enclosing the connector, the invention implements partial waterproofing at the critical entry points. This partial action is sufficient to prevent water infiltration while maintaining accessibility of the terminals for assembly and soldering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If waterproof seal structures are added at both front and rear entries, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof effectVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the waterproofing function with the existing housing structure by integrating the first waterproof seal structure into the housing at the front entry and the second waterproof seal structure with the blocking plate at the rear entry. This merging approach provides comprehensive waterproofing while avoiding the addition of separate, complex waterproofing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 module, preventing water from entering the electronic device and ensuring reliable electrical connections by covering the terminals and blocking entries with a flexible and durable sealed structure, enhancing the overall waterproofing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The sealed structure is formed by curing a liquid plastic material which can be silicone or rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentUS9331421B2Waterproof electric connector module and its waterproof housing
Publication Date: 2016.05.03 JESS-LINK PRODUCTS
  • US9331421B2 patent drawing
  • US9331421B2 patent drawing
  • US9331421B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A waterproof electric connector module includes an insulated housing, an electric connector, a blocking plate, and a sealed structure. The insulated housing is formed in an elongated shape. A front entry and a rear entry are individually formed on two end sides of the insulated housing and disposed aligned with each other. A side opening is formed on a side of the insulated housing and communicates with the rear entry. The electric connector is disposed in the insulated housing and has a plurality of terminals which extend and protrude from the side opening. The blocking plate blocks the rear entry. The sealed structure fills and seals the side opening. The terminals individually penetrate through the sealed structure. The waterproof housing can be sealed through the blocking plate and the sealed structure.