Cable End Fitting with Sealing Protrusion for Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosure assemblies for cables face challenges in achieving reliable strain relief and sealing, often compromising one functionality for the other due to the coexistence of strain relief and sealing means, leading to potential malfunctions under mechanical forces and humidity exposure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealing protrusion and/or groove on the end fitting that extends radially, allowing for a dedicated sealing section and a retention section to be arranged sequentially, providing separate functionalities and optimizing each for their respective roles, eliminating the need for separate sealing means and enhancing reliability by preventing mechanical forces from affecting the sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sealing means and strain relief elements are used in the enclosure assembly, then both sealing and strain relief functions can be provided, but the reliability is compromised due to potential displacement or loss of separate sealing means and interference between functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and strain relief function into a single integrated end fitting component. The end fitting includes both the strain relief structure and the sealing protrusion that engages with the sealing enclosure, eliminating the need for separate sealing means and strain relief elements. This integration prevents displacement or loss of separate sealing components and avoids interference between separate functional elements, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end fitting is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides strain relief and sealing functions. The single component performs multiple roles: it relieves mechanical strain on the cable connection while also providing sealing engagement with the sealing enclosure through the sealing protrusion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Strength
If mechanical forces act on the cable, then strain relief is necessary, but the sealing performance is negatively affected when separate sealing means are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strain relief function and sealing function into a single integrated end fitting. The sealing protrusion is formed as an integral part of the end fitting that provides strain relief. When mechanical forces act on the cable, the strain relief function absorbs these forces while the integrated sealing protrusion maintains its sealing engagement with the sealing enclosure, preventing the negative effect of separate sealing means getting displaced or compromised by mechanical forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The end fitting is designed with different local regions optimized for different functions: the main body provides strain relief capability while the sealing protrusion region provides sealing engagement. This local differentiation within a single integrated component allows each function to perform optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between strain relief and sealing performance under mechanical forces.
3Reliability
If separate sealing means are used in the enclosure assembly, then sealing function can be provided, but the design becomes difficult and the sealing means may get displaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the end fitting component through the sealing protrusion, eliminating the need for separate sealing means such as separate seals or gaskets. The sealing protrusion is formed as part of the end fitting manufacturing process, simplifying the design and assembly while ensuring the sealing function is reliably provided through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end fitting with its integrated sealing protrusion serves its own sealing function without requiring separate sealing components. The sealing protrusion is self-contained within the end fitting structure, eliminating the risk of separate sealing means getting displaced or lost during assembly or operation, thereby simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliable sealing function.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure assembly for a cable extending in a connection direction includes a mating closure and a sealing enclosure operably coupled to the mating closure in the connection direction. Additionally, the enclosure assembly includes an end fitting operably coupled to the sealing enclosure. The end fitting includes a cable channel extending in the connection direction and is configured to receive the cable. A force applied to the cable is transmitted to the mating closure through the sealing enclosure.