Cable Enclosure Angled Seal Structure for Tolerance-Resistant Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable box enclosures require tight tolerances and precise closure to achieve a weatherproof seal, which is challenging to maintain due to manufacturing variations and play between the cover and base.
Innovation Solution
An enclosure design with angled base and cover wall portions and a sealing portion, such as a gasket or O-ring, that allows for a weatherproof seal at multiple positions of the cover relative to the base, accommodating variations in closure without strict alignment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vertical engagement of a gasket is used to create a weatherproof seal, then the seal is formed between the top and bottom parts of the box, but tight closure of the box is required which increases manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical gasket engagement to lateral O-ring engagement, changing the sealing dimension from vertical to horizontal. The O-ring engages laterally with the housing and cover, allowing the seal to function in a different spatial dimension that accommodates manufacturing tolerances better.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the sealing interface by using an angled surface (e.g., 45 degrees) instead of a vertical surface. This angular configuration allows the O-ring to be compressed effectively across a range of cover positions, maintaining the seal without requiring tight closure tolerances.
2Reliability
If a lateral engagement of an O-ring is used between the cover and the base, then the weatherproof seal is created, but tight tolerances of the cover and the base are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular parameters (e.g., 45-degree angled surfaces) to the sealing interface, transforming the geometric relationship between the cover and housing. This angular configuration creates a wedge effect that compresses the O-ring progressively as the cover is closed, maintaining an effective seal across a wider range of manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic sealing mechanism where the O-ring compression varies with the closure position. The angled surface allows the seal to be effective at multiple positions of the cover relative to the base, providing a progressive compression effect that maintains sealing reliability without requiring precise tight tolerances.
3Reliability
If tight tolerances are used in the latching feature, then adequate sealing of the enclosure is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the latching and sealing interfaces by incorporating angled surfaces instead of vertical or horizontal interfaces. This angular configuration transforms the sealing mechanism to be tolerant of manufacturing variations, achieving adequate sealing with relaxed tolerances and reduced manufacturing complexity.
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 angled design ensures a weatherproof seal is maintained even with imperfect alignment, providing flexibility in assembly and reducing the need for tight manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the seal portion may be compressed between the base portion and the cover portion
Implementation Method 2
the seal portion may include an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure may be structurally configured to provide a sealed enclosure at multiple positions of a cover portion relative to a base portion. The enclosure may include a base portion having a base wall portion, a cover portion structurally configured to attach the base portion and including a cover wall portion, and a sealing portion structurally configured to be positioned between the cover wall portion and the base wall portion. The base wall portion and the cover wall portion may be configured to be disposed in a configuration such that base wall angle and the cover wall angle may be configured to provide a weatherproof seal between the cover wall portion and the base wall portion at multiple positions of the cover portion relative to the base portion, so as to provide a sealed enclosure at multiple positions of the cover portion relative to the base portion.