Non-metallic Cable Gland with Adjustable Earthing Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable glands for armored, metal-clad, and metallic-sheathed cables require metallic components for effective earthing and electromagnetic interference mitigation, leading to high costs, weight, and cumbersome installation, with limited options for non-metallic solutions.
Innovation Solution
A cable gland comprising a washer sealant, adjustable earthing coil, and outer housing with tapered areas and threads, allowing for secure cable retention, environmental sealing, and earthing through a non-metallic design, which includes an elastomer seal and compression mechanism to provide strain relief and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic cable glands are used for effective earthing and electromagnetic interference mitigation, then reliability and electromagnetic protection are improved, but weight, cost, and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable gland is divided into separate functional components: a non-metallic body for mechanical functions, a separate earthing component for electrical grounding, and a sealing element for environmental protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the use of lightweight non-metallic materials while maintaining earthing effectiveness through the dedicated earthing component.
Solution Approach 2:
An earthing component serves as an intermediary element that bridges the non-metallic cable gland body to the grounding system. This intermediary component provides the necessary electrical connection for earthing and electromagnetic interference mitigation without requiring the entire cable gland structure to be metallic, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If metallic cable glands are used for earthing and electromagnetic capability, then protection against short-circuit faults and EMC is improved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cable gland into non-metallic body components and a separate earthing component, the manufacturing cost is reduced through the use of inexpensive non-metallic materials for the main structure, while the earthing component can be a simple conductive element that is easier and cheaper to manufacture than traditional metallic cable glands.
Solution Approach 2:
The earthing component can be designed as a simple, inexpensive element that provides the necessary grounding function without requiring the complexity and cost of traditional metallic cable glands. This approach uses a cost-effective solution that achieves the same protective function.
3Reliability
If metallic cable glands are used for effective earthing, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but installation complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the earthing component to be independently installed or attached to the non-metallic body, simplifying the installation process. The earthing component can be pre-assembled or easily attached during installation, reducing installation complexity compared to traditional metallic cable glands that require complete assembly of heavy metallic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable gland incorporates flexible or adjustable elements that adapt during installation, making the installation process more straightforward. The modular design allows for easier adjustment and positioning during installation compared to rigid metallic constructions.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-metallic cable glands are used to reduce weight and cost, then ease of installation and cost-effectiveness are improved, but earthing capability and electromagnetic protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of functions allows the non-metallic body to provide mechanical and environmental protection while a separate earthing component provides the necessary electrical grounding. This division enables cost-effective non-metallic construction while maintaining earthing capability through the dedicated conductive component.
Solution Approach 2:
The earthing component serves multiple functions: providing electrical grounding, enabling electromagnetic interference mitigation, and potentially serving as a mounting or alignment feature during installation. This multi-functionality ensures that the cost-effective non-metallic design does not compromise earthing capability.
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 a cost-effective, lightweight, and easy-to-install cable gland that effectively secures cables, maintains environmental sealing, and ensures reliable earthing and electromagnetic interference protection without the need for metallic components.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable earthing coil, wherein the adjustable earthing coil is configured to contract around the cable to provide earthing and electromagnetic interference protection
Implementation Method 2
an elastomer seal and compression mechanism to provide strain relief and grounding
Implementation Method 3
compression mechanism to provide strain relief and grounding
Data Source
AI summary
A cable gland and methods for earthing, grounding, bonding, and electromagnetic capability with armored, metal-clad, and metallic-sheathed cable types. The cable gland comprises a gland body, a plurality of extensions, an elastomer seal, a compression member configured to rotate the plurality of extensions towards to the elastomer seal, and an earthing insert mounted in the gland body configured to electrically connect a cable to a neutral and/or grounded conductor. The cable gland is configured to provide an air-tight seal between the exterior of the cable and the elastomer seal through rotation of the plurality of extension upon the elastomer seal. The cable gland may include an o-ring and nut to secure the cable gland to a planar body. The earthing insert comprises a grounding spring in electrical communication with a metallic portion of the cable and a neutral and/or grounded conductor.