Wire-Pass Plug Structure for Waterproof Electrical Housings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproofing materials for electrical apparatuses used in wet environments tend to flow into unintended areas due to voids left by electrical wires, compromising the waterproofness of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A plug is inserted with electrical wires into the opening of the apparatus, featuring a design with spaced outer peripheral surfaces that accommodate the wires, reducing voids and stabilizing their position, thereby preventing the waterproofing material from flowing into unnecessary areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical grommet is filled with liquid waterproofing material, then waterproofness is improved, but the waterproofing material flows into parts that do not require waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into a waterproofing portion (first grommet) and a non-waterproofing portion (second grommet). The waterproofing material is selectively applied only to the first grommet, preventing unwanted flow into areas that do not require waterproofing while maintaining effective sealing where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the grommet are assigned different functional properties. The first grommet portion is treated with waterproofing material to provide sealing, while the second grommet portion remains untreated to allow wire passage without unnecessary waterproofing, creating localized functional zones.
2Ease of operation
If electrical wires are passed through the opening, then electrical connection is enabled, but voids are created that cause waterproofing material to flow
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is segmented into two functional portions: the first grommet provides waterproof sealing around the wires, while the second grommet allows wire passage without requiring waterproofing material, thus preventing material flow into non-required areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The second grommet acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates wire passage while preventing the waterproofing material from flowing along the wires into areas that do not require waterproofing protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical apparatus includes a housing including an opening, an electronic component in the housing, electrical wires connected to the electronic component and extending out of the housing through the opening, a plug extending in a first direction and inserted in the opening with the electrical wires passing through the opening, and a waterproofing material in the opening. The plug includes a first outer peripheral surface matching an inner wall surface of the opening, and a second outer peripheral surface opposite and spaced apart from the inner wall surface of the opening. The electrical wires are between the second outer peripheral surface and the inner wall surface of the opening.