Waterproof USB-C Connector Sealing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB type-C electrical receptacle connectors lack a waterproof structure, allowing water to penetrate and potentially causing malfunction in electronic devices due to gaps between the insulated housing and other components.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof electrical receptacle connector design featuring an insulated housing, first and second receptacle terminals, a metallic shell with a seamless structure, and a sealing member (waterproof glue block) to fill gaps and prevent water ingress, along with a 180-degree symmetrical dual orientation for plug compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hollowed shell is used to enclose the insulated housing, then the connector structure is simplified, but water penetration occurs due to gaps between the insulated housing and other members
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member (waterproof glue block) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insulated housing and the hollowed shell. This sealing member fills the gaps and spaces between these components, creating an effective waterproof barrier while maintaining the simplified hollowed shell structure. The sealing member acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and waterproof reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hollowed shell lacks a sealing structure, then manufacturing is easier, but gaps are formed allowing water to enter the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is pre-formed as a waterproof glue block with a specific shape designed to fit into the hollowed shell. This preliminary preparation of the sealing structure allows for easy assembly during manufacturing, as the pre-formed sealant can be directly installed to fill gaps between components. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while effectively preventing water ingress through the gaps.
3Reliability
If a sealing structure is added to the hollowed shell, then waterproof performance is improved, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed as a flexible waterproof glue block that can conform to the irregular spaces and gaps between the insulated housing and the hollowed shell. This flexible sealing approach provides effective waterproofing without requiring a complex rigid sealing structure, thus improving waterproof performance while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof electrical receptacle connector includes an insulated housing, a metallic shell, and a sealing member (e.g., a waterproof glue block). The insulated housing includes a base portion and a tongue portion extended from one side of the base portion. The metallic shell includes a tubular portion and an outer peripheral portion. The outer peripheral portion is formed by deep drawing techniques and extended from the rear of the tubular portion. The inner dimension of the outer peripheral portion is greater than the inner dimension of the tubular portion. A filling groove is forming between the inner wall of the outer peripheral portion and the outer surface of the base portion. The sealing member is formed at the filling groove to fill a gap between the inner wall of the outer peripheral portion and the outer surface of the base portion and fill the bottom of the base portion.