Waterproof Power Track Access with Elastic Strip Seals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power access systems are not waterproof, limiting their use to humid environments and are prone to short circuits and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof electric power access device comprising a power supply track with strip seals and a current collector head that minimizes damage to the waterproof structure during electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional electric power access system is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system is not waterproof and cannot be used in humid environments

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

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply track is divided into multiple slots, each containing a conductive member and sealed with an independent strip seal. This segmentation allows each slot to be sealed independently while maintaining the overall waterproof structure, enabling the system to function in humid environments without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strip-shaped conductive members are nested within the slots, and the strip seals are positioned to seal the slots while allowing the conductive members to remain accessible for electrical connection. This nested arrangement protects the conductive members from moisture while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the current collector members directly contact the conductive members without protection, then the electrical connection is simple, but the waterproof structure is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof structure integrityVSAvoidelectrical connection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strip seals act as intermediaries between the waterproof structure and the electrical connection components. These seals are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing current collector members to pass through or contact them while maintaining the waterproof barrier, thus protecting the waterproof structure while enabling electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The strip seals are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to deform temporarily during the electrical connection process and then return to their original state. This parameter change (elastic deformation) enables the seals to accommodate the insertion of current collector members while maintaining waterproof integrity after connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the strip seals are made highly durable and resistant, then the waterproof performance is improved, but the damage during electrical connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidresistance to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The strip seals are designed with optimized elastic parameters that allow them to be sufficiently durable for waterproof performance while being soft enough to minimize damage during the electrical connection process. The material properties are carefully selected to balance durability and deformability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The strip seals are pre-installed in the slots with appropriate pre-compression and positioning to cushion the impact and stress during the electrical connection process. This beforehand cushioning protects both the waterproof structure and the seals from excessive damage while maintaining their sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3993176B1Waterproof electric power access device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SELF ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3993176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3993176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3993176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a waterproof electric power access device comprising a power supply track and a current collector head set on said power supply track, said power supply track comprising: a track body; a mounting slot, set on the upper surface of said track body and extending in the length direction, including a bot-tom and two opposite sides; two slots, set on two sides respective-ly, extending in the length direction; two strip-shaped conductive members, set on two sides of said slots; two strip seals, sealing said slots on each side; said current collector head comprising: a rotation seat; an external connector, provided on said rotation seat; two current collector members, electrically connected to said external connector, provided on said rotation seat and extending opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to said thick-ness direction, said rotation seat being rotated so that the two current collector members squeeze through the strip seals on each side and will be inserted into said slots against the corresponding strip-shaped conductive members.