Through-Wall Piping Connector With Threaded IP65 Panel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for electrical equipment face challenges in maintaining a seal against the entry of fluids and dust, particularly at points where liquid cooling lines penetrate enclosure walls, leading to potential leaks and degradation of equipment performance.
Innovation Solution
A through-wall connector system featuring a tubular body with external threaded sections and radial flanges, secured by a threaded nut, provides a seal against fluid and dust ingress, utilizing features like O-rings and tri-clamp fittings for easy installation and leak-proof connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional penetration methods are used for liquid cooling lines, then installation is simple, but sealing against fluid and dust entry is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealing portion with radial protrusions that contact the panel to prevent dust and fluid entry, and a connection portion with threaded sections for securing liquid cooling lines. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall IP65 sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the panel and liquid cooling lines, providing a sealed transition point. The sealing portion with radial protrusions creates an IP65-rated seal against the panel, while the connection portion interfaces with cooling lines, thereby mediating between sealed enclosure requirements and cooling system integration.
2Reliability
If sealed enclosures are used to protect against contaminants, then equipment protection is improved, but installation of cooling lines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with integrated sealing features (radial protrusions forming IP65 seal) and connection interfaces (threaded sections) before installation. This preliminary configuration allows installers to simply secure the connector to the panel and attach cooling lines without needing to perform complex sealing operations or modify the enclosure, thereby maintaining IP65 protection while simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides IP65 sealing against the panel, secures liquid cooling lines through threaded connections, and maintains the enclosed environment's contamination protection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both sealed enclosure integrity and easy cooling line installation through a single integrated component.
3Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are implemented, then sealing performance is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted as a distinct radial protrusion feature integrated into the connector body, separate from the connection function. This extraction allows the sealing portion to be optimized for IP65 performance while the connection portion handles liquid cooling line attachment, enabling both functions to be achieved without complex combined mechanisms, thereby reducing installation time and cost.
4Strength
If threaded connections are used for securing cooling lines, then connection strength is improved, but complexity of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges the sealing function (radial protrusions creating IP65 seal) and connection function (threaded sections for securing cooling lines) into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and connection hardware, achieving both strong threaded connections and IP65 sealing while actually reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A through-wall connector includes a body defining an outer surface, a first distal end, a second distal end, and an interior channel. A first connection interface is provided at the first distal end, the first connection interface defining a first opening. A second connection interface is provided at the second distal end, the second connection interface defining a second opening, the interior channel being defined between the first opening and the second opening. An external threaded section is provided along the outer surface, the external threaded section being received through the aperture when the through-wall connector is installed in the panel. A radial protrusion extends outwardly from the outer surface. A threaded nut sized to receive the threaded section, the threaded nut threadably engaging the external threaded section and contacting the first side of the panel when the through-wall connector is installed in the panel.