Cable Gland Device Dual-Tier Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable gland devices are costly, complex, and prone to assembly errors, with insufficient locking mechanisms that can fail under intense external traction forces, leading to insecure electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A cable gland device featuring a single-body design with elastically deformable thermoplastic rubber flanges and a dual-tier tightening mechanism, utilizing concentric reducer elements and abutment protrusions to securely lock electric cables, ensuring a strong and hermetic seal even under heavy-duty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used to achieve cable locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (first body, second body, elastically deformable element, locking element) into an integrated cable gland device where the second body is screwed onto the first body and the elastically deformable element is housed within the first body, creating a unified locking mechanism that maintains reliability while reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cable gland device is divided into functional segments: the first body with the elastically deformable element for initial cable gripping, and the second body with the locking element for final securement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a system
2Reliability
If multiple components are assembled to ensure cable locking, then the locking function is improved, but the assembly operation complexity and risk of errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable element is pre-installed and housed within the first body during manufacturing, so that during assembly only the second body needs to be screwed onto the first body. This preliminary preparation reduces assembly steps and minimizes the risk of assembly errors while maintaining the dual-stage locking function
3Ease of operation
If the elastically yielding coating element and tabs are used for cable locking, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the locking strength under intense traction forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs a two-stage dynamic process: first, the elastically deformable element provides initial gripping with moderate force for easy assembly; second, as the second body is screwed onto the first body, the locking element engages with the elastically deformable element to progressively increase the locking strength, creating a dynamic reinforcement of the locking mechanism under traction loads
4Ease of manufacture
If the existing sealing mechanism is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the hermetic sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable gland device uses composite material construction where the first body and second body are made of different materials with complementary properties. The second body material is selected to provide enhanced sealing capability when screwed onto the first body, creating a composite structure that achieves hermetic sealing while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard material selection and joining processes
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 device provides a cost-effective, easy-to-assemble solution with enhanced locking and sealing capabilities, effectively preventing cable movement and ensuring reliable electrical connections even under intense traction forces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable element... The second body... defines a truncated-cone surface which by acting on an elastically deformable element causes it to contract in a radial direction... The contraction of the elastically deformable element on the electric cable causes the surface of the elastically deformable element itself to adhere to the electric cable
Implementation Method 2
an elastically yielding coating element made in a single body piece with the first body by co-molding... Such thermoplastic rubber layer goes to make up a single piece with the first body as it is over-molded
Implementation Method 3
elastically yielding tabs which, by engaging with the second body during the relative screwing to the first body, are tightened radially for locking the electric cable inserted in the passage channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The cable gland device (1) for the electric interconnection of electric cables comprises: - a first body (2) made of an electrically insulating material comprising: - a first passage channel (3) of an electric cable (4); and - first tightening means (9, 10) of the electric cable (4) inside the first passage channel (3); - a second body (5) made of an electrically insulating material which comprises a second passage channel (6) of the electric cable (4) and is coupleable to the first body (2) for the activation of the first tightening means (9, 10), the second body (5) comprising second tightening means (11) of the electric cable (4) inside the second passage channel (6).