Creating the Perfect Seal: The Story of the Science Behind the O-Ring

Apple has found yet another use for the versatile o-ring, filing for a patent for a cable design that uses the tiny seal to keep iPhone power connectors water-resistant, CNET says. The patent application lays out a design that seals Lightning power connectors and USB-C connectors from moisture by using an o-ring seal. This can make it easier and safer to recharge smartphones in locations such as kitchen and bathroom countertops where there may be water nearby. O-ring applications such as this rely on seals with exact specifications to achieve their intended purpose. Here’s a look at the science behind the o-ring, how manufacturers have developed specialized o-rings to meet different needs, and how to choose the perfect seal for your purposes.










