Waterproof Sensor Switch Sealing for Group-Controlled IoT Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensors lack an effective waterproof structure, rendering them prone to damage in humid environments, and they also lack the group-controlled function, limiting their applications in IoT and intelligent systems.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof sensor design featuring a housing with a switch hole, a waterproof ring, and a switch hole sealing pad with multiple sealing rings and a waterproof fixing ring, combined with a dip switch for group-controlled functionality, and optionally including additional circuit boards for communication modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are placed in humid environments without waterproof structure, then the sensor can be used in various applications, but the circuit board is prone to damage upon contact with water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication scopeVSAvoidwaterproof performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple segments including upper cover, lower cover, and intermediate cover, each with specific waterproof functions. The dip switch assembly is separated as an independent component that can be installed through a dedicated switch hole, allowing modular assembly and disassembly for maintenance while maintaining waterproof integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Waterproof sealing rings are introduced as intermediary elements between different housing components and the dip switch. These sealing rings create waterproof barriers at critical interfaces, preventing water penetration while allowing necessary mechanical connections and switch operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a waterproof structure is added to the sensor, then the sensor can operate in humid environments, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

Waterproof sealing rings made of flexible material are used to seal the switch hole and housing interfaces. These thin film-like sealing elements provide effective waterproof protection without adding significant structural complexity, as they can be easily installed and conform to the housing geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The dip switch assembly is designed to be removable through the switch hole, allowing dynamic access to the switch for configuration changes. The waterproof sealing mechanism accommodates this movement while maintaining water protection, enabling flexibility in switch positioning and adjustment without compromising waterproof integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the dip switch is exposed for group-controlled function, then the sensor can provide group control capability, but water can enter through the switch hole and damage the circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup control functionVSAvoidwater penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof sealing ring is positioned at the switch hole to act as an intermediary barrier. This sealing ring prevents water from entering the housing through the switch hole while still allowing the dip switch to be accessed and operated from the outside for group control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dip switch assembly is separated as an independent module that can be installed through the switch hole. This segmentation allows the switch to be accessible for configuration while the sealing ring provides waterproof protection at the interface, enabling group control capability without compromising waterproof integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4503077A1Waterproof sensor having a group-controlled dip switch
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 XIAMEN PVTECH CO LTD
  • EP4503077A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4503077A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4503077A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A waterproof sensor (1) having a group-controlled dip switch includes a housing (11), an upper cover (12), a first circuit board (13), a dip switch (14), a plurality of metal pins (15) and a switch hole sealing pad (16). The housing (11) has an upper opening (H1), a lower opening (H2) and a switch hole (H3). The upper cover (12) is disposed on the upper opening (H1) to cover the upper opening (H1). The first circuit board (13) is disposed inside the housing (11). The dip switch (14) is disposed on the first circuit board (13) and corresponding to the switch hole (H3). A plurality of metal pins (15) is disposed at the lower opening (H2) and electrically connected to the first circuit board (13). The switch hole sealing pad (16) is disposed on the switch hole (H3) to cover the switch hole (H3).