Recently, a patent filed by Apple has been published, named “Electronic Device Sealing Accessories.” Apple has proposed three solutions. One is to add a rubber ring at the end of the data interface, and then to insert the interface, The body forms a tight bond and plays a role in waterproofing.
The second is to set up a convex deformable material on the Lightning metal fitting. When the connector is inserted into the interface, the material can be wedged into the opening to completely block the gap. The third is the use of a tapered joint. Thin, thick end, can play a certain sealing effect after it is fully inserted.
Apple said that they even considered a vacuum-waterproof solution, pumping the air away, creating a vacuum, allowing the connectors to connect more tightly, allowing the air to enter when not in use, and then easily taking out the connectors.
In fact, Apple has been trying to waterproof patents. In the past few years, we have seen many examples. For example, Apple also proposed that a self-healing material can be used to cover the interface. After the connector passes through the sealing film, it reaches the contact point. After separation, The cover material is restored to its sealed state. There is also a speaker waterproof patent. Through a 'mesh umbrella structure', the vibration of the audio can transfer the liquid out of the audio channel.
Of course, these patents will not necessarily land on the product in the end, but Apple still emphasizes in the patent that it is hoped that a way can be found to allow the connectors and connectors to be used normally in wet, dirty environments. This also affects their service life. There are advantages.