Waterproof USB Type-C Connector with Nested Metal Shells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional USB type-C electrical receptacle connectors lack waterproof functionality, allowing water moisture to enter and potentially cause short circuits due to inadequate sealing.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a terminal module with a base and tongue portion, an inner shell, an outer frame, and an outer shell, along with a waterproof gasket and grounding sheets, to prevent water ingress and enhance structural strength through soldering and bending sheets, while allowing dual orientation connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional USB type-C electrical receptacle connector structure is used, then the connector can be assembled with multiple plastic components and terminals, but the connector lacks waterproof functionality and allows water moisture to enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structureVSAvoidwaterproof function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the inner shell is placed inside the outer shell, creating multiple protective layers. The inner shell encloses the terminal module while the outer shell provides an additional protective barrier, and both are secured to the housing. This nested arrangement effectively seals the connector against water moisture without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the connector structure is simplified, then manufacturing becomes easier, but structural strength and waterproof sealing are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials including metal shells (inner and outer), plastic housing, and elastomeric sealing members. The combination of metal for strength, plastic for insulation and molding, and elastomer for sealing creates a structurally robust connector that maintains integrity while remaining manufacturable through standard processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates pre-formed sealing members and grounding terminals that are integrated into the housing structure before final assembly. The inner and outer shells are pre-assembled with sealing elements, and grounding terminals are pre-positioned, which strengthens the overall structure while simplifying the final assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If waterproof sealing is enhanced with multiple layers, then water protection improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof functionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an elastomeric sealing member that leverages the flexibility and elasticity of rubber-like materials to create an effective waterproof seal. This flexible sealing approach provides reliable water protection without requiring complex mechanical sealing structures, thereby maintaining relative simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If grounding terminals are added to prevent short circuits, then safety improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grounding function with the existing terminal module structure. Grounding terminals are integrated into the terminal module and electrically connected to the housing through the inner and outer shells. This merging of grounding functionality with the structural components eliminates the need for separate grounding assemblies, thereby improving safety without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20170229817A1Electrical receptacle connector

Publication Date: 2017.08.10 ADVANCED CONNECTEK INC

AI summary

An electrical receptacle connector includes a terminal module, an inner metallic shell, an outer insulation frame, and an outer metallic shell. The terminal module is assembled with the inner metallic shell and the outer insulation frame, the outer metallic shell is formed on the outer insulation frame, and the outer metallic shell is in contact with the inner metallic shell. The connector is provided with the outer insulation frame so as to prevent water moist entering into the other end of the outer insulation frame from one end of the outer insulation frame having the insertion opening. In addition, the outer metallic shell is formed on the outer insulation frame to improve the structural strength of the connector. Moreover, the outer metallic shell and the inner metallic shell are soldered with each other through the grooves of the outer insulation frame.