Wearable Connector Sealing Cap for Harsh Environment Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable connectors face issues with contamination from harsh environments, such as dirt, mud, and fluids, which can trap debris and impede electrical connections, and are difficult to clean without damaging the conductors, and they often lack effective sealing and electrical shielding.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a receptacle and plug assembly with sealed surfaces, spring biased contacts, and optional electrical shielding, designed for easy cleaning and secure mating, with features like angled interfaces and ejection windows to manage debris, ensuring reliable connections in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are integrated into wearable articles for use in harsh environments, then electrical connection functionality is provided, but contaminants such as dirt, mud, grease, sand, water, and oil can enter the receptacle and trap within the connector, impeding mating and damaging the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the connector housing and implements it through a separate removable cap that covers the receptacle opening. This cap can be removed for cleaning or storage and attached when the connector is in use, preventing contaminants from entering the receptacle while allowing access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by providing a cap that prevents contaminant intrusion before the connector is mated or stored. The cap is positioned on the receptacle in advance to block contaminants from entering, and can be removed when mating is required.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from connector mating interfaces, then contaminants may be removed, but the conductors of the connector may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from the mating interface itself and relocates it to the cap. The cap includes an interior surface that contacts the exterior surface of the plug connector, allowing contaminants to be wiped away from the mating interface without touching or damaging the delicate conductors inside the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves as an intermediary tool for cleaning. Instead of directly contacting the vulnerable conductors with cleaning materials that might cause damage, the cap's interior surface acts as a mediator to remove contaminants from the plug connector's exterior surface, protecting the conductors from damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing structures are added to prevent contaminant entry, then contamination resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cap made of elastomeric material that can be molded to fit the receptacle opening. This thin, flexible shell provides effective sealing against contaminants while adding minimal structural complexity. The cap's flexibility allows it to conform to the receptacle shape and create a seal without requiring complex mechanical sealing mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector system (100) for a wearable article including receptacle and plug connector assemblies is provided. The receptacle connector assembly (102) includes a housing (200) having a cavity receiving an electronic device and having a receptacle connector (112). The plug connector assembly (104) includes a holder (130) including an article mount (136) securable to the wearable article and a support arm hingedly coupled to the article mount at a hinge (138). The plug connector assembly (104) has a plug connector (114) on the support arm including plug contacts and a cable (122) electrically connected to the plug contacts. A seal is coupled between the receptacle connector (112) and the plug connector (114). The plug connector (114) is loaded into a receptacle of the receptacle connector (112) to mate the plug contacts with the receptacle contacts to electrically connect the cable (122) to the electronic device.