Adjustable Cable Gland Box Layout for Constrained Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In applications such as double pump setups where spatial constraints and dimensions of extension modules hinder the straightforward routing of cables, existing solutions lack flexibility in directing cables into or out of boxes housing electronic circuits.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a box with a second opening perpendicular to the first, allowing a 90° adjustable cable gland connection via a locking mechanism, enabling the cable to enter or exit in desired directions, and includes a bracket with an L-shaped structure for secure mounting and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single opening is provided in the box wall for cable entry, then the box structure remains simple, but the cable routing flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidbox structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The box is segmented with multiple openings (first opening in first wall, second opening in second wall) instead of a single opening, allowing cable entry from different directions. This segmentation enables the cable gland to be positioned at different locations depending on routing requirements, thus improving adaptability without significantly complicating the overall box structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The box is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a first opening and a second opening for cable entry, allowing the same box to accommodate different cable routing scenarios. The cable gland can be alternatively connected to either opening, making the box adaptable to various installation environments without requiring multiple different box designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cable gland is fixed in one position, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the installation adaptability to different spatial constraints is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cable gland connection is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The locking mechanism allows the cable gland to be alternatively connected to either the first opening or the second opening, enabling installation adaptability to different spatial constraints while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard threading and locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4428371A1Arrangement comprising a box for housing an electronic circuit with changeable cable gland positioning
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 WILO SE
  • EP4428371A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4428371A1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP4428371A1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The present invention refers to an arrangement (1) comprising at least a box (2) for housing in its interior (3) at least one electronic circuit (32) that is connected or connectable to at least one cable (4), a cable gland (6) that is removable connected to the box (2) by means of a locking mechanism (22, 28) to surround the cable (4) before entering the box (2), and a blind plug (8), wherein the box (2) comprises a first wall (10) with a first opening (12) therein through which the cable (4) can enter or enters the interior (3) of the box (2), and the cable gland (6) is arranged outside the interior (3) in line with the first opening (4). The box (2) comprises a second wall (11) with a second opening (13) therein, the second wall (11) being perpendicular to the first wall (10). Furthermore, the arrangement (1) is configured in that the cable gland (6) can alternatively be connected to the box (2) in line with the second opening (13) by means of a locking mechanism (22, 28) to let the cable (4) enter the interior (3) via the second opening (13), wherein the second opening (13) is closed by the blind plug (8) when unused. Thus, a 90° adjustable cable gland (6) is realized enabling selecting the direction of the cable gland (6) and the entry of the cable (4) into the box (2) according to the needs.