Cable Exit Cover Sealing Seat for Uniform Foam Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing electrical cables using gel materials result in non-uniform distribution, leading to inadequate protection at the cable split line and potential gaps in the seal due to gravity-induced material accumulation, and require complex apparatus for rotation during application.
Innovation Solution
A cable exit cover with gripping devices on the inner surface of the sealing seats to uniformly distribute the sealing material, preventing gravity-induced accumulation and ensuring symmetrical sealing around the cable, even with varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If gel material is dispensed into predefined grooves using a robotic application moving on a plane parallel to the cable covers, then the dispensation process is simple and automated, but the material accumulates at the bottom of the groove due to gravity, resulting in non-uniform distribution and inadequate sealing at the splitting line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by rotating the cable cover during material dispensation. Instead of moving the robotic application in a plane parallel to the cover, the cover itself rotates, allowing the dispensing nozzle to access all areas including the splitting line region, thereby achieving uniform material distribution throughout the groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static dispensing process into a dynamic one by continuously rotating the cable cover during material application. This rotation ensures that material is evenly distributed around the entire groove perimeter, preventing accumulation at the bottom and ensuring adequate sealing at the splitting line.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cable cover is constantly rotated during dispensation of protective material, then uniform distribution of material is achieved, but a complex apparatus comprising a rotating device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cable cover serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, defines the sealing geometry, and acts as a rotating carrier during material application. By making the cover itself rotatable, the patent eliminates the need for a separate rotating apparatus, as the cover's rotation serves both positioning and uniform distribution purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the dispensing function and rotation function into a single integrated process. The robotic application and the cover rotation are synchronized, allowing material to be dispensed uniformly around the entire groove perimeter in one continuous operation, rather than requiring separate positioning and application steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If gel material is dispensed into predefined grooves, then the sealing process is simplified, but gaps form at the splitting line due to reduced material thickness in that region
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing rotation as a third dimension to the dispensing process, the patent ensures that material is applied uniformly around the entire groove, including the previously problematic splitting line region. This eliminates gaps and ensures continuous sealing without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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
Achieves uniform sealing material distribution, reducing material usage and costs while providing reliable protection against environmental factors, including water and dust, with a simplified assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the dispensed material is typically injected into the predefined grooves of the two cable covers by using a robotic application that is configured to move on a plane, parallel to the plane where each of the two cable covers is laying. During injection, the dispensed material tends to flow towards the bottom of the groove because of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A cable exit cover for sealing a portion of a cable includes a first cover member and a second cover member matable with the first cover member to define a housing having an inlet receiving the cable. The inlet has a sealing seat accommodating the cable. The sealing seat has a plurality of gripping devices uniformly distributing a dispensed sealing material along the sealing seat to seal a gap between the sealing seat and the cable.