Waterproof Connector With Segmented Sealing And Holding Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof connectors with flexible flat cables face issues with sealability and holding force degradation when subjected to external forces, as the integrally molded rubber and thermoplastic elastomer parts lose contact and fail to maintain close contact properties.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof connector design featuring a flexible flat cable with conductors and terminals, where a thermoplastic elastomer or resin sealing part with high close contact properties is integrated, and a high rigidity resin holding part is formed to cover the sealing part and include holes and slits, ensuring the cable is securely held and sealed even under external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an integrally molded part made of rubber and thermoplastic elastomer is formed on the flexible flat cable to improve holding force, then the holding force is improved, but the sealability decreases when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding part is divided into two distinct parts: a sealing part made of rubber that maintains close contact with the flexible flat cable, and a holding part made of high rigidity resin that provides mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable holding part uses composite construction with rubber for the sealing part and high rigidity resin for the holding part. This combines the advantages of both materials: rubber's elasticity and close contact properties for sealing, and resin's rigidity for holding force under external loads.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the cable holding part, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but it cannot simultaneously provide both close contact properties and high rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding part is segmented into a sealing part and a holding part, each made from materials optimized for their specific function. The sealing part uses rubber for close contact, while the holding part uses high rigidity resin for mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials with rubber and high rigidity resin in a integrated molded structure. This allows the single component to exhibit both close contact properties from the rubber portion and high rigidity from the resin portion.
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 maintains sealability and holding force by distributing external forces to the high rigidity resin holding part, reducing the impact on the sealing part and preventing sealability and holding force degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing part integrally formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a resin with high close contact properties to the conductors and the terminals
Implementation Method 2
a holding part integrally formed of a high rigidity resin to the flexible flat cable and covering the sealing part
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof connector includes a flexible flat cable formed in a flat plate shape and having a plurality of conductors and an insulating film covering the plurality of the conductors, terminals contacted to the conductors of the flexible flat cable respectively, a cable holding part integrally formed to the flexible flat cable so as to include joint parts between the conductors and the terminals, and a connector housing. A hole is formed between the conductors of the flexible flat cable, and a slit is formed in an end portion of the flexible flat cable in a width direction thereof. The cable holding part includes a sealing part integrally formed to the conductors and the terminals so as to include the joint parts and a holding part integrally formed to the flexible flat cable and covering the sealing part.