Waterproof Socket Sealing Mechanism for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with openings, such as sockets, face challenges in preventing foreign substances like water and dust from entering, leading to malfunction or damage, while also requiring simplified design and reduced manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing with an opening that fluidly communicates with a space containing electronic elements and terminals, where the terminals are electrically connected outside the housing, and a sealing mechanism is used to prevent foreign substances from entering through the socket, allowing for improved exterior design and assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a socket opening is provided for external device connection, then connectivity and functionality are improved, but foreign substances like water and dust can enter causing malfunction or damage
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof connector assembly acts as an intermediary component between the external environment and the internal electronic space. The connector includes a waterproof seal mechanism that mediates between the need for external connection and the need to prevent foreign substance ingress, allowing signal transmission while blocking water and dust
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs flexible waterproof sealing elements such as gaskets or membranes that can deform to accommodate connection while maintaining the barrier function. These thin film structures provide protection against foreign substances while allowing the socket to perform its connectivity function
2Reliability
If traditional waterproofing methods are used for the socket, then protection from foreign substances is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing function is merged with the connector structure itself rather than being a separate system. The connector housing integrates sealing surfaces and the waterproof seal is incorporated into the connection mechanism, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing components and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, mechanical coupling, and waterproof sealing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated waterproofing structures, simplifying the overall device design
3Reliability
If traditional waterproofing methods are used for the socket, then protection from foreign substances is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproofing features are combined with the standard connector manufacturing process. The sealing surfaces and gaskets are integrated into the connector housing that can be molded or machined using conventional processes, avoiding the need for separate waterproofing assembly steps and reducing labor costs
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device may include a housing that may include an opening formed on an outer surface and a space fluidly communicating with the opening, at least one electronic element which is disposed in the space, and at least one terminal which is disposed on the outer surface of the housing and is electrically connected with the at least one electronic element.