Branched Cable Bushing for Independent Lateral Cable Feedthrough

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable bushings require multiple cables to be inserted one after the other, leading to unmanageable installations and increased effort when removing a cable with an attached connector, as subsequent cables must also be removed.

Innovation Solution

A cable bushing with a slot that allows lateral insertion of cables via an edge, featuring a main branch and multiple secondary branches, a membrane with material weakenings and openings, and fixing elements to facilitate easy insertion and secure holding, along with a funnel-shaped design for guiding and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple cables are inserted one after the other into a slot, then the cable entry point can accommodate multiple cables, but the installation becomes unmanageable and removal requires removing all stacked cables above

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cablesVSAvoidease of cable installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slot is divided into multiple independent secondary branches (first secondary branch, second secondary branch, etc.) that branch off from a common main branch. Each secondary branch can accommodate one or more cables independently, allowing cables to be inserted and removed from individual branches without affecting cables in other branches. This segmentation resolves the problem of unmanageable installation and difficult removal by creating independent cable pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a membrane seals the slot to protect the housing interior, then contamination is prevented, but the membrane may tear during cable insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of housing interiorVSAvoidmembrane integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Material weakenings (such as perforations or thin spots) are pre-formed in the membrane at specific locations along the insertion path, particularly at branching positions and feedthrough positions. These pre-defined weak points allow the membrane to tear in a controlled manner during cable insertion, directing the tear along safe paths that do not compromise the overall structural integrity or sealing function of the membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane has non-uniform properties with localized material weakenings at specific positions (branching positions, feedthrough positions) while maintaining full strength in other areas. This local modification allows the membrane to be both protective and accommodating - strong enough to seal the housing but with predetermined weak points that facilitate cable insertion without causing uncontrolled tearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the slot is designed to guide cables laterally, then insertion is simplified, but the membrane needs openings at branching points which may increase contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cable lateral insertionVSAvoidcontamination of housing interior
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is designed as a flexible thin film that can deform and open at predetermined locations (branching positions, feedthrough positions) to allow cable passage, then return to its sealing position. The flexibility of the membrane allows it to accommodate cable insertion while maintaining its sealing function, opening only when necessary and automatically closing afterward to prevent contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4607727A1Cable feedthrough
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 KAISER AKTIENGES
  • EP4607727A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4607727A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4607727A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cable bushing (1) for passing through one or more cables, the cable bushing comprising a wall section (2) with a slot (4) extending into the wall section, wherein the slot (4) has a main branch (5) and a plurality of secondary branches (6) leading from the main branch (5). In this case, a cable can be inserted laterally into the slot (4) and displaced along an insertion path (8) via the main branch (5) to a feed-through position (9) in one of the secondary branches (6). The invention also relates to a method for inserting at least one cable through such a wall section (2).