TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of an improved
connection device. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an improved
connection device for any electrical/electronic connection requiring water sealing in a vehicle,
whereby the connector provides optimum sealing of the connection interface from external
contaminants and debris.
BACKGROUND
Generally, most vehicles are provided with an Engine Control Unit (ECU) for controlling a
series of actuators of the engine of the vehicle to ensure optimal engine performance. To
configure the ECU with the electrical circuit of the vehicle, a connector is generally employed.
However, a major drawback associated with such connectors is that contaminants such as debris
and moisture infiltrate into the connector from the interface of the connector and the ECU,
thereby adversely affecting the connection between the ECU and the electrical circuit of the
vehicle. Consequently, the performance of the vehicle is hampered.
With an advancement in technology, a number of solutions have been proposed by researchers.
One such solution provides a connector having a collar portion that provides sealing on the
interface of the connection. A major limitation of such connectors is that there has to be uniform
sealing force along the periphery of the connection interface which can only be achieved by
having locks on 2 opposite sides of the connector. However, sometimes due to the space
constraint in vehicles or some other constraints, a locking mechanism such as a snap lock is
desirable on only one side of the connector (as shown in Figure I). As a result, the existing
connector would experience less connecting pressure at the lower side of the connection
interface. This in turn results in inadequate sealing force at the lower side of the connector,
thereby allowing entry of external contaminants into the connector.
In other words, the researchers have developed a technically advanced connection device. More
specifically, an improved connection device connector having a more compact size and provides
uniform sealing against entry of water or other contaminants. Specifically, a connector that
overcomes one or more shortcomings associated with existing connectors.
SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of connectors as described in the prior art are overcome and additional
advantages are provided by the improved connection device as claimed in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present
disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and
are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an improved
connection device. The improved connection device comprises a casing for accommodating one
or more components of the improved connection device. The casing comprises a first connecting
interface and a second connecting interface. An interface seal is formed peripherally on the
casing. The interface seal has a sealing face defined between an upper end and a lower end of the
interface seal. The thickness of the sealing face of the interface seal is more at the lower end than
the thickness at the upper end of the interface seal. A connecting mechanism is located on a top
side of the casing adjacent to the upper end of the interface seal.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting interface is female socket.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting interface comprises a rear
holder for receiving terminalslwiring harness.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing face is disposed towards the first
connecting interface.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connecting interface is a male socket.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing face is disposed towards the second
connecting interface.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting mechanism is a snap lock configured
to secure the improved connection device in a connected state.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing face has a substantially slanted
configuration with respect to a vertical axis.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gradient of the sealing face is in the range
of 1 degree to 5 degrees with respect to the vertical axis YY.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,
embodiments, and features will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description.
The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of
an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or
more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an existing ECU connector.
Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of the improved connection device in accordance with the
present disclosure.
Figures 3(a) to (c) show the rear perspective view of the improved connection device according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 4(a) and (b) depict the front perspective view of the improved connection device
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the sealing face of the interface seal of the improved
connection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in
the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the
assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described
below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the
particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may be
observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with an improved connection
device. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present
disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be
construed within the scope of the invention.
5
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with
details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device that comprises a list of
components does not include only those components but may include other components not
expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more
elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without
more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly
or system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved connection device
that provides optimum sealing to an interface of the said connection device to prevent entry of
debris and moisture.
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved connection device that is
compact and economical.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an improved
connection device. The improved connection device comprises a casing for accommodating one
or more components of the improved connection device. The casing comprises a first connecting
interface and a second connecting interface. An interface seal is formed peripherally on the
casing. The interface seal has a sealing face defined between an upper end and a lower end of the
interface seal. The thickness of the sealing face of the interface seal is more at the lower end than
the thickness at the upper end of the interface seal. A connecting mechanism is located on a top
side of the casing adjacent to the upper end of the interface seal. The first connecting interface is
female socket. The first connecting interface comprises a rear holder for receiving
terminalslwiring harness. The sealing face is disposed towards the first connecting interface. The
second connecting interface is a male socket. The sealing face is disposed towards the second
connecting interface. The connecting mechanism is a snap lock configured to secure the
improved connection device in a connected state. The sealing face has a substantially slanted
configuration with respect to a vertical axis. A gradient of the sealing face is in the range of 1
degree to 5 degrees with respect to the vertical axis YY.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In the
figures the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same
reference signs.
Now referring to the figures 2 to 5, in which figure 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided an improved connection device (100) for vehicles. As shown in the
figures, the improved connection device (100) comprises a casing (1) having a rigid
configuration. The casing (1) comprises an internal space (not shown) for accommodating the
one or more components of the connection device (100) such as, but not limited to, terminals,
circuit board, wiring harness and the like. As shown, the casing (1) comprises a first connecting
interface (2) and a second connecting interface (3). In one embodiment of the present disclosure,
the first connecting interface (2) and the second connecting interface (3) are formed on opposite
sides of the improved connection device (100). The casing (1) has a generally rectangular
configuration.
A connecting mechanism (6) is provided on a top side of the casing (1). The connecting
mechanism may be one of the many different means to secure the improved connection device
onto the ECU in a connecting state. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connecting mechanism
(6) may be a snap lock. Accordingly, a slot (6a) is provided on the top side of the casing (1). The
slot (6a) corresponds to a snap (not shown) that may be provided on a rigid member onto which
the improved connection device (100) is to be secured. In one non-limiting embodiment, there
may be provided a plurality of connecting mechanisms (6) on the periphery of the casing (1).
The improved connection device (100) comprises an interface seal (4) being formed on the outer
periphery of the casing (I). In an embodiment, the interface seal (4) is in the form of a flange
extending outwardly from an intermediate portion between first connecting interface (2) and the
second connecting interface (3) of the casing (1). The interface seal (4) comprises a sealing face
(5) defined between an upper end (4a) and a lower end (4b) of the interface seal (4). As shown in
figures, the upper end (4a) of the interface seal corresponds to the top side of the casing (1)
where the connecting mechanism (6) is located. In an embodiment, the thickness of the sealing
face (5) of the interface seal (4) is more at the lower end (4b) than the thickness at the upper end
(4a) of the interface seal (4). In a non-limiting embodiment, the said interface seal (4) is made
from silicon rubber material, however, the composition/material of the seal may vary as per the
suitability of the userlmanufacturer. Referring specifically to figure 5, the thickness of the
sealing face (5) gradually increases from the upper end (4a) towards the lower end (4b) so as to
provide a substantially slanted configuration to the sealing face (5) with respect to a vertical axis
YY. The sealing face (5) has a gradient (G) with respect to the vertical axis YY. The gradient (G)
of the sealing face (5) is in the range of 1 degree to 5 degrees.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the first connecting interface (2) of the improved connection
device (100) is female socket and the second connecting interface (3) is a male socket. As shown
in figures 3(a) to (c), the first interface (2) comprises a rear holder (2a) for receiving
terminalslwiring harness. The plurality of harness terminals is disposed in the casing (I) by
passing through a rear matt seal which provides sealing from cable entry side. In an embodiment,
the sealing face (5) is disposed towards the first connecting interface (2). In one alternate
embodiment the sealing face (5) is disposed towards the second connecting interface (3). The
slant configuration of the sealing face (5) thereby provides optimum sealing at the lower end (4b)
of the interface seal (4) by compensating the lesser coupling force at the lower end (4b) as
compared to the upper end (4a) where the connecting mechanism (6) is located.
List of reference numerals:
100
1
Improved Connecting Device
Casing
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill
in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is
appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be
expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in
the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms
(e.g., the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," etc.). It will be further
understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such
recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following
appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one
such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the
description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of
including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B"
will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments
disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true
scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. An improved connection device (100) comprising;
a casing (1) for accommodating one or more components of the improved
connection device (100); the casing (1) comprises;
a first connecting interface (2); and
a second connecting interface (3);
an interface seal (4) being formed peripherally on the casing (1); wherein the
interface seal (4) has a sealing face (5) defined between an upper end (4a) and a lower
end (4b) of the interface seal (4); the thickness of the sealing face (5) of the interface seal
(4) is more at the lower end (4b) than the thickness at the upper end (4a) of the interface
seal (4); and
a connecting mechanism (6) located on a top side of the casing (I) adjacent to the
upper end (4a) of the interface seal (4).
2. The improved connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connecting
interface (2) is female socket.
3. The improved connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connecting
interface (2) comprises a rear holder (2a) for receiving terminalslwiring harness.
4. The improved connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing face (5)
is disposed towards the first connecting interface (2).
5. The improved connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second connecting
interface (3) is a male socket.
6. The improved connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing face (5)
is disposed towards the second connecting interface (3).
7. The improved connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting
mechanism (6) is a snap lock configured to secure the improved connection device (100)
in a connected state.
8. the sealing face (5) has a substantially slanted configuration with The improved
connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein respect to a vertical axis YY.
9. The improved connection device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gradient (G) of
the sealing face (5) is in the range of 1 degree to 5 degrees with respect to the vertical
axis YY.