Waterproof Plug Segmented Resin Member Reduces Insertion Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing waterproof plugs for connectors increase the insertion force when inserting an electric wire due to friction between the wire and the deformed lips, which can lead to deformation and increased stiffness over time.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof plug with a waterproof member made of elastic material and a resin member, featuring a cylindrical main body with inward and outward lips, and internal portions arranged along the axis to reduce friction and prevent deformation, is designed to be mounted around an electric wire within a connector housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the waterproof plug uses a resin member to prevent deformation by aged deterioration, then the waterproof plug is reinforced and maintains its shape, but the insertion force increases due to friction between the lips and electric wire
Solution Approach 1:
The resin member is segmented into multiple internal portions (first internal portion, second internal portion, third internal portion) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the lips to deform outwardly in the gaps between internal portions during insertion, reducing friction force while maintaining overall structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin member provides localized reinforcement at specific positions (where internal portions are placed) rather than uniform reinforcement throughout. The gaps between internal portions provide localized flexibility for lip deformation, creating different mechanical properties at different locations within the main body.
2Reliability
If the lips are pressed and deformed on the electric wire to waterproof between the wire and inner wall, then waterproofing is achieved, but the friction force increases causing higher insertion force
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the resin member into spaced internal portions creates gaps that allow the lips to deform outwardly during insertion. This reduces friction between the lips and electric wire while still enabling the lips to press against the wire for waterproofing after insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin member is pre-formed with internal portions that create predetermined gaps at specific locations. These gaps are prepared in advance to facilitate lip deformation during the insertion process, reducing insertion force before the waterproofing action occurs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the waterproof plug is made stiff to prevent deformation by aged deterioration, then the waterproof plug maintains its shape and waterproofing function, but the insertion force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resin member is divided into multiple segments (internal portions) spaced apart from each other. This segmentation provides localized stiffness at the internal portion positions for stability, while the gaps between segments allow for flexibility and lip deformation during insertion, reducing insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof plug combines elastic material (waterproof member) with synthetic resin material (resin member) to create a composite structure. The resin member provides stiffness and stability, while the elastic material provides flexibility for lip deformation, achieving both stability and reduced insertion force.
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 reduces the friction force between the lips and the electric wire, preventing deformation and reinforcing the waterproof plug, thereby decreasing the insertion force required during assembly of the wiring harness.
Implementation Method 1
The waterproof member 103 includes a cylindrical main body 130, a plurality of outer lips 131 projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the main body 130 surrounding the main body 130, and a plurality of inner lips 132 projecting inwardly from an inner surface of the main body 130 surrounding the main body 130. The lips 131 are pressed and deformed on the inner wall of the terminal receiving section so as to waterproof between the inner wall and it. The lips 132 are pressed and deformed on the electric wire 106 and the inner wall so as to waterproof between the electric wire 106 and it.
Implementation Method 2
The resin member 102 includes a cylindrical internal portion 121 and an exposed portion 120 exposed outwardly. The resin member 102 is provided for preventing deformation by aged deterioration and for reinforcing the waterproof member 103.
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof plug, which is mounted around an electric wire connected with a terminal to be received in a terminal receiving section of a connector housing, and waterproofs between an inner wall of the terminal receiving section and the electric wire, includes a waterproof member made of elastic material having a cylindrical main body, a plurality of inner lips projecting inwardly from an inner surface of the main body, and a plurality of outer lips projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the main body; and a resin member made of synthetic resin, having a cylindrical portion and a plurality of internal portions projecting from an end of the cylindrical portion along an axis of the cylindrical portion, and the plurality of internal portions is arranged with a distance between each other around the cylindrical portion and arranged in the main body of the waterproof member.