Waterproof Connector Shell Exposure for Compact Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof connectors are bulky and have complex manufacturing processes due to the placement of waterproof materials on the housing rather than the shell, leading to increased size and manufacturing complications.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof connector design where a waterproofing member is directly disposed on the outer circumference of the metal shell near the insertion port, with the option of being integrally formed through insert molding or attached as a separate component, allowing for a thinner profile and reduced size, and incorporating a reinforcing member to prevent contact deformation and static electricity discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal material is disposed along the outer circumference of the housing (conventional method), then the waterproof function is achieved, but the connector size increases and manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seal material with the shell by directly disposing the waterproofing member on the shell's outer circumference at the insertion port vicinity, eliminating the need for separate seal material placement on the housing. This integration reduces the overall connector size while maintaining the waterproof function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the seal material on the housing as in conventional methods, the patent inverts the approach by placing the waterproofing member directly on the shell. This reversal of the sealing location achieves waterproofing with a more compact structure.
2Reliability
If the seal material is disposed along the outer circumference of the housing (conventional method), then the waterproof function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shell and waterproofing member into a single integrated structure where the waterproofing member is directly disposed on the shell. This merging eliminates multiple separate manufacturing steps required for conventional methods that involve separate seal material placement on the housing, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Volume of stationary object
If the waterproofing member is directly disposed on the shell (new method), then the connector size is reduced, but the contact pressure retention must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a reinforcing member specifically at the contact terminal insertion side where pressure is applied during connection. This localized reinforcement maintains contact pressure retention without requiring the entire connector to be larger, thus preserving the size reduction benefit while ensuring adequate force transmission.
4Volume of stationary object
If the waterproofing member is directly disposed on the shell (new method), then the connector size is reduced, but the static electricity discharge protection must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the waterproofing member specifically at the insertion port vicinity on the shell's outer circumference. This localized placement provides static electricity discharge protection at the critical interface where connectors meet, preventing harmful static discharge without requiring comprehensive shielding that would increase overall connector size.
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 results in a smaller-sized waterproof connector with simplified manufacturing and enhanced contact pressure retention, while also effectively preventing water infiltration and static electricity discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproofing member made of an elastic material is disposed on an outer circumference of and at the vicinity of the insertion port of the shell
Implementation Method 2
a shell made of metal interior of which the contact is disposed
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof connector (10) has: at least one conductive contact (12); a metal shell (16) interior of which the contact is disposed; and a housing (32) made of an insulating resin material such that the housing fixes the contact and the shell to form an integral structure, the shell has an insertion port (21) into which a counterpart connector is inserted on one side, and the housing is formed such that the shell is exposed at the outer circumference of and at the vicinity of the insertion port over a predetermined width in the length direction of the shell to form an outer circumferential exposure portion (24), and the outer circumferential exposure portion of the shell is disposed with a waterproof portion (49) made of an elastic material.