Waterproof Connector Assembly Using Adhered Sealing Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies face challenges in achieving a waterproof structure due to their complex configurations, which hinder effective sealing at the contact points between electric wires.
Innovation Solution
The proposed connector assembly incorporates a simple structure where each connector includes a waterproof sheet surrounding the contact accommodating portion, ensuring that when the connectors are fitted together, the waterproof sheets are closely adhered, forming a reliable waterproof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insulator includes blade portions and guide portions extending forward to establish fitting between connectors, then the connectors can be securely fitted together, but the structure becomes complicated and waterproofing becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the waterproofing function from the complex insulator structure and implements it through a separate waterproof sheet. The waterproof sheet is disposed between the first insulator and second insulator, independent of the blade portions and guide portions, thereby achieving waterproofing without modifying the existing fitting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof sheet acts as an intermediary element between the first insulator and second insulator. It provides the waterproofing function while allowing the blade portions and guide portions to maintain their fitting function, thus resolving the contradiction between fitting reliability and waterproofing capability.
2Device complexity
If the connectors use a simple structure without blade portions and guide portions, then the structure is simplified, but the fitting reliability and maintenance of fitted state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector assembly into distinct functional components: the blade portions and guide portions handle the fitting and maintenance of fitted state, while the waterproof sheet handles the waterproofing function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively without interfering with others.
3Reliability
If waterproof sheets are added to surround contact accommodating portions, then waterproofing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses waterproof sheets, which are thin film structures, to provide waterproofing for the contact accommodating portions. These flexible sheets can conform to the connector geometry and provide effective sealing without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector having an identical configuration, the first connector including a first waterproof sheet disposed on a first joining surface of planar shape in a first insulator so as to surround a first contact accommodating portion in which a first contact is accommodated, the second connector including a second waterproof sheet disposed on a second joining surface of planar shape in a second insulator so as to surround a second contact accommodating portion in which a second contact is accommodated, when the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the first waterproof sheet and the second waterproof sheet are closely adhered to each other, and the first contact and the second contact make contact with each other, whereby the first electric wire and the second electric wire are electrically connected to each other.