Asymmetric Cable Entry for Flat Cable Retention and IP Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable entries for electrotechnical installations are inadequate for accommodating cables with non-circular cross-sections, such as flat cables or cables with plugs, as they require a larger opening size, leading to inefficiencies in retention and protection against foreign bodies.
Innovation Solution
A cable entry design featuring an asymmetrically shaped opening zone defined by a long and short axis, allowing for the insertion of cables with varying geometries, including flat cables and those with plugs, through a shape that adapts to different diameters and provides retention via inwardly flared edge sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger opening size is used to accommodate non-circular cables, then cable insertion capability is improved, but retention effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable entry opening is designed with an asymmetric shape that is optimized for circular cables, rather than enlarging the opening to fit non-circular cables. The asymmetric geometry allows the opening to maintain its retention effectiveness for round cables while still accommodating flat or multi-cable configurations through strategic positioning and shape design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable entry system is divided into separate functional components: the opening zone for cable insertion and the retention zone with inwardly flared edge sections. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the opening for versatile cable access and the retention zone for securing cables, regardless of their cross-sectional geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger opening size is used for non-circular cables, then cable accommodation is improved, but protection against foreign bodies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric opening shape maintains a compact footprint that preserves protection against foreign bodies. Rather than creating a large symmetric opening that would compromise sealing, the asymmetric design achieves cable accommodation through optimized geometry that minimizes the exposed area while still allowing access for various cable types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cable entry are assigned different functions: the opening zone provides access for cable insertion while the surrounding wall sections maintain structural integrity and protection. The inwardly flared edge sections create a localized retention barrier that protects against foreign body ingress without requiring a larger overall opening.
3Reliability
If conventional circular opening design is used, then retention for round cables is improved, but adaptability to non-circular cables deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening transitions from a conventional circular symmetric design to an asymmetric shape that is specifically optimized for circular cables. This asymmetric geometry maintains superior retention characteristics for round cables while the overall configuration allows accommodation of flat or multi-cable arrangements through strategic positioning and shape optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable entry system separates the opening zone from the retention zone. The opening is designed with asymmetric geometry for optimized access, while the retention function is provided by distinct inwardly flared edge sections. This segmentation allows the retention mechanism to remain effective for round cables while the opening shape adapts to various cable configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cable entry 1 for a housing used in an electrical installation, the cable entry 1 having an opening zone 3 arranged in a wall section 2 made of plastic, which has an outer surface 4 and an inner surface 11 and is, in particular, not curved, wherein the unused opening zone is closed by at least one closing segment 7 and is designed in such a way that cables of different dimensions with respect to their cross-section can be inserted through the cable entry 1 and into such a housing. A particular characteristic is that the opening zone 3 is formed with respect to its shape by at least one shape element 6 whose outline is defined by a long axis and a short axis arranged asymmetrically to the long axis.