Barrier Connector Sleeve Groove Locking Putty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current barrier connectors face challenges in effectively sealing electrical cores due to interstices between cores, which can lead to leakage, especially when the cores are loosely fitted, and existing solutions like two-part epoxy putty may not provide a reliable long-term seal.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve for a barrier connector comprising a circular cup and insert with a groove in the insert's end face, combined with a curable putty that fills the interstices, and a clamping mechanism using an externally threaded body and nut to secure the assembly, which resists radial movement of the putty and provides a unitary attachment to a barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-part epoxy putty is stuffed into the bore to seal interstices, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the putty may shrink and lose radial clamping force over time, compromising long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed in the insert before assembly, creating a structural feature that will later receive and lock the putty. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the putty is applied, it has a predetermined path and anchoring mechanism ready, preventing shrinkage-related failures over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structural element between the putty and the insert. It provides a mechanical interlocking interface that transfers and maintains clamping force, mediating the connection between the sealing material and the connector components to ensure long-term durability.
2Ease of operation
If the putty is allowed to move radially during curing, then ease of assembly is improved, but leakage may occur as the seal becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is located specifically in the region where putty radial movement could cause leakage, providing localized constraint only where needed. This allows the putty to be freely applied during assembly while preventing radial displacement at the critical sealing interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure is designed to preemptively counteract any radial movement of the putty before such movement can cause leakage. By providing the locking feature in advance, the design prevents the harmful effect of putty displacement rather than reacting to it after occurrence.
3Device complexity
If the sleeve is designed as a single integrated component, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different core configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into two separate components: the cup and the insert. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions - the cup provides the basic sealing chamber while the insert with the groove provides the locking mechanism. The separated design enables greater flexibility in accommodating different core configurations while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within the cup, with the insert's outer diameter fitting into the cup's internal bore. This nested arrangement allows the two-component design to occupy a compact space similar to a single integrated component, while still providing the adaptability benefits of segmentation. The insert can be positioned at different depths to accommodate varying core configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively seals the interstices by locking the putty in the groove, eliminating leakage and ensuring a secure attachment to the barrier, even under temperature extremes, while allowing for easy disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a curable putty is mixed just prior to stuffing, and cures to a hard substance after about 4 hours
Implementation Method 2
the groove acts to resist radial movement of the putty, thus substantially eliminating a potential cause of leakage
Implementation Method 3
any shrinkage of the putty tends to lock the putty onto the minor diameter of the groove so clamping the grooved component tightly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A barrier connector has a through bore for the passage of cables (103) which are sealed with an epoxy putty (104). A cup (25) and insert (35) define an annulus within which the putty is confined. A circular groove (42) is provided in one end of the insert to lock the putty against radial shrinkage or expansion.