Waterproof Electric Plug With Transformer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof electric plugs with transformers for outdoor use, such as Christmas lamp strings, face issues of complex components, high production costs, and poor assembly efficiency, while many designs fail to provide effective waterproofing against rain and moisture.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof electric plug design featuring a housing with a transformer unit, a waterproof elastomeric member, and a snapping coupling mechanism between the cap and housing, utilizing a closed groove and elastomeric material to prevent water ingress, with a fastening assembly that includes slots and tabs for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional waterproof electric plugs with transformers are designed using sealed housings and molded plastic constructions, then waterproofing performance is improved, but production cost increases and assembly becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into separate modular components: a housing containing the transformer, a cap containing the electrical connections, and a waterproof grommet. These segments are assembled together through a snap-fit mechanism rather than requiring complex molding or sealing operations, thus maintaining waterproofing while simplifying assembly and reducing production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof grommet serves as an intermediary element between the housing and cap, providing the waterproof seal function. This intermediary component allows the housing and cap to be separately manufactured and easily assembled through snapping coupling, eliminating the need for complex sealed constructions while maintaining effective waterproofing.
2Reliability
If conventional waterproof electric plugs use complex sealed constructions, then waterproofing performance is improved, but production cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The plug construction is segmented into simple, easily manufactured components that can be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes. The housing, cap, and grommet are separate parts that require minimal processing, significantly reducing production cost compared to complex molded sealed constructions while maintaining waterproofing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof grommet is a simple, inexpensive elastomeric component that provides effective waterproofing at low cost. This simple rubber or plastic ring replaces expensive sealed constructions and complex gaskets, achieving the same protective function with a much cheaper, easily manufactured part.
3Device complexity
If conventional electric plugs use simple constructions, then production cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but waterproofing performance deteriorates allowing rain and moisture to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof grommet acts as an intermediary sealing element that fits between the housing and cap, providing an effective barrier against rain and moisture. This simple intermediary component maintains the construction's simplicity while ensuring reliable waterproofing, preventing water ingress without requiring complex sealed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is made of elastomeric material that forms a flexible sealing ring. This flexible thin-walled component can deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, ensuring a reliable waterproof seal despite the simple overall construction. The elastomeric nature of the grommet provides effective moisture barrier properties.
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 design enables quick, simple, and reliable assembly with a low production cost, ensuring effective waterproofing against rain, water, and moisture, thereby preventing short circuits and improving the overall quality of the plug.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof elastomeric member, and a snapping coupling mechanism between the cap and housing, utilizing a closed groove and elastomeric material to prevent water ingress
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof electric plug with transformer includes a housing comprising an internal space, two forward prongs, a rear waterproof element, and a rear fastening assembly; a transformer unit disposed in the space and electrically connected to the prongs; a rear cap comprising a connector electrically connected to the transformer unit, and a corresponding fastening assembly; and a waterproof member disposed in the waterproof element. The housing is adapted to repel water when the cap is secured thereto by matingly fastening the corresponding fastening assembly and the fastening assembly together with the waterproof member being clamped in the waterproof element.