Waterproof Ring Assembly for Exposed Electronic Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices suffer from ineffective waterproofing due to exposed connecting portions between the electronic assembly and the casing, allowing external water to seep in.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof ring with an outer and inner ring, and blocking portions connected to both, is designed to prevent water ingress through the connecting portion by ensuring close contact with the casing edges and blocking any gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional casing design with exposed connecting portion is used, then the device structure is simple, but water can seep into the casing through the exposed connecting portion, compromising waterproof function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof functionVSAvoidcasing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof ring is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer ring portion that contacts the first side surface, an inner ring portion that contacts the second side surface, and blocking portions that seal the oblique edges. This segmentation allows each part to address specific waterproofing needs at different locations of the connecting portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof ring extends in multiple dimensions: radially outward to contact the first side surface, radially inward to contact the second side surface, and axially to cover the oblique edges. This multi-dimensional configuration creates comprehensive water barriers without requiring complex multi-component assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the opening edges are arranged obliquely between parallel side surfaces, then the connecting portion can be properly sealed, but water may flow through the opening from one side to the other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidwater flow through opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking portions are positioned to prevent water from reaching the oblique edges before water can flow through the opening. By placing the blocking portions at the interface between the outer and inner ring portions, the design proactively stops water infiltration paths at their source rather than reacting to water that has already entered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking portions act as intermediary elements that bridge the outer ring portion and inner ring portion. These blocking portions create additional sealing barriers at the oblique edges, mediating between the two main sealing surfaces and preventing water from utilizing the oblique edge geometry to penetrate the casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4345572B1Electronic device and assembly thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 GETAC TECH CORP
  • EP4345572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4345572B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4345572B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device (100) includes a casing (110) and an electronic assembly (130). The casing (110) has an opening (113) between a first side surface (111) and a second side surface (112) parallel to each other, and the opening (113) has a first side edge (1131) and a second side edge (1132) opposite to each other. The electronic assembly (130) is assembled in the casing (110), and includes a body (131), a connecting portion (132), and a waterproof ring (133). The connecting portion (132) is arranged on one side of the body (131). The waterproof ring (133) includes an outer ring (1331), an inner ring (1332), and two blocking portions (1333). The outer ring (1331) is a closed ring, and is arranged around an outer surface of the connecting portion (132). The inner ring (1332) is arranged on the outer surface of the connecting portion (132) and is closer to the body (131) than the outer ring (1331). The two blocking portions (1333) are each connected to the outer ring (1331) and the inner ring (1332).