Butt Closure Base With Gel Wedge Seals for Variable Cable Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing butt closures face challenges in providing reliable sealing for a wide range of cable diameters, are difficult to utilize efficiently, and are prone to damage from cable movement, especially in outdoor environments with significant pressure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base with wedge assemblies and gel systems that accommodate various cable diameters, featuring adjustable tabs and compression mechanisms to ensure secure sealing, while bushings and barrier members mitigate damage from cable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If through-holes with seals are used in the base, then sealing is provided, but the seals are not reliable or difficult to utilize
Solution Approach 1:
A compression assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the seal and the base, applying controlled compression force to ensure reliable sealing while simplifying installation. The compression assembly includes a compression member that can be adjusted to apply the appropriate force to the seal without requiring complex sealing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system transitions from a static seal to a dynamic compression system where the compression assembly can be adjusted during installation and operation. This allows the seal to adapt to variations in cable diameter and installation conditions, improving both reliability and ease of use.
2Device complexity
If all seals are sealed and unsealed together as a single sealing system, then the structure is simplified, but it is difficult to utilize efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent seal assemblies, each with its own compression mechanism. This allows individual seals to be installed, adjusted, and sealed independently, significantly improving installation efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring all seals to be installed and sealed simultaneously, the system allows for partial installation where seals can be added or adjusted independently as needed, enabling more efficient utilization of the closure system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the closure must accommodate a large range of cable diameters, then versatility is improved, but sealing reliability becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The compression assembly provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the seal to adapt to different cable diameters. By adjusting the compression force, the system maintains reliable sealing across a wide range of cable sizes without compromising sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression parameter of the seal to accommodate different cable diameters. The compression assembly allows adjustment of the compression force applied to the seal, enabling the same seal to effectively seal around cables of varying diameters while maintaining sealing reliability.
4Ease of operation
If cable movement is allowed in the sealed closure, then ease of installation is improved, but damage to sealing components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The compression assembly is designed to accommodate and cushion cable movement before such movement can damage the sealing components. The compression mechanism absorbs the stress from cable movement, protecting the seal and other sealing components from damage while still allowing for ease of installation.
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 provides improved sealing and protection against damage, ensuring reliable performance under varying environmental pressures and cable sizes, with efficient installation and reduced risk of seal failure.
Implementation Method 1
compression mechanisms to ensure secure sealing
Implementation Method 2
bushings and barrier members mitigate damage from cable movement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A butt closure base includes a base housing defining a plurality of cavities. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, and a second gel. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of cable entry passages, each of the plurality of cable entry passages defined between one of the plurality of cavities and one of the plurality of wedge assemblies. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of bushings, each of the plurality of bushings disposed in one of the plurality of cable entry passages.