Wire Connector Interference Fit Sealing Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire to wire connectors fail to simultaneously provide sufficient water resistance, stress cushioning, and visibility of the joining region between the cable outer sheath and the connector casing, while also ensuring reliable fixation and electrical connection of the conductive core and pin.

Innovation Solution

A wire to wire connector design featuring a core seal and core plug in an interference fit with the conductive core, crimping structures on the pin for secure electrical connection, and an overmoulded casing for stress relief and visibility, along with stop structures to prevent pin movement within the connector casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If water resistance is enhanced at the cable entry position, then water or moisture cannot enter the connector casing, but stress cushioning capability and visibility of the joining region deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidstress cushioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: a sealing region with the sealing member for water resistance, a transition region for stress cushioning, and a joining region for visibility. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing member acts as an intermediary element between the cable outer sheath and the connector casing. It provides water sealing while its flexible material properties enable stress cushioning, and its transparent nature maintains visibility of the joining region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If visibility of the joining region is improved, then the region between cable outer sheath and connector casing can be observed, but water resistance and stress release capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of joining regionVSAvoidwater resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member exhibits different local properties: it is transparent in the region affecting visibility, flexible in the region affecting stress cushioning, and sealing in the region affecting water resistance. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If stress cushioning is increased at the cable entry position, then excessive bending of the wire or cable is prevented, but water resistance and visibility of the joining region deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress cushioningVSAvoidvisibility of joining region
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is designed with dynamic flexibility to absorb stress and accommodate cable movement while maintaining its sealing and visibility functions. Its elastic properties allow it to deform under stress and return to its original shape, providing continuous stress cushioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the position of conductive core and pin is made fixed within the connector casing, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but water resistance, stress cushioning, and visibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidwater resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is pre-positioned and fixed within the connector casing before final assembly, ensuring reliable electrical connection from the outset. The sealing member is then installed to provide water resistance without disturbing the pre-established electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures reliable electrical connections, prevents water and moisture ingress, maintains cable integrity by preventing excessive bending, and ensures the visibility of the joining region, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the connector.

Implementation Method 1

a core seal and a core plug being fitted round the insulator of each conductive core in an interference fit; the core seal and core plug of the conductive core being fitted in an interfering manner to an inner surface, defining the pin hole, of the connector casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference fit: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a first crimping structure crimped to the core seal, a second crimping structure crimped to a conductive outer surface of the conductive core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrimping: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

an overmoulded casing that is overmoulded on at least a part of the connector casing and on a part of an outer sheath of the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

a stop structure preventing the pin from moving in the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stop: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 5

there must be water resistance at the position where the wire or cable extends into the connector casing, to prevent water or moisture from entering the connector casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3376597B1Wire to wire connector and method for providing the wire to wire connector
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3376597B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3376597B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3376597B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5f

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wire to wire connector (100), comprising: a cable (30), comprising at least one conductive core (34) and an insulator (36) surrounding the conductive core (34), with a core seal (40) and a core plug (50) being fitted round the insulator (36) of the conductive core (34) in an interference fit; a connector casing (10), defining a pin hole (15), with the core seal (40) and core plug (50) of the conductive core (34) being fitted in an interfering manner to an inner surface defining the pin hole (15); and at least one pin (70), comprising a pin body (75), a first crimping structure (72) crimped to the core seal (40), a second crimping structure (74) crimped to a conductive outer surface of the conductive core (34), and a stop structure preventing the pin (70) from moving in a longitudinal direction (L).