Cable Gland Retaining Structure for Fast Insertion and Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable installation methods struggle with providing both easy insertion and effective strain relief, often requiring complex assembly steps and inadequate securing against tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
A cable gland with a tubular side wall and integrally formed retaining structure that allows easy insertion and automatic strain relief through deformation, converting axial force into radial holding force without additional assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are inserted through openings in installation box panels, then cable routing is achieved, but the cables are only partially secured against strain and tensile forces are transferred to the electrical installation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable gland is divided into functionally distinct segments: a tubular side wall for structural support and attachment, a retaining structure for cable securing, and a deformation mechanism for force conversion. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to provide both easy installation and reliable strain relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure incorporates dynamic deformation capability, transitioning from an initial state to a deformed state under applied force. This dynamic behavior enables the cable gland to automatically adjust and secure the cable through radial deformation when axial force is applied, providing effective strain relief without complex assembly steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-cable feedthroughs with rigid frames and deformable inserts are used, then multiple cables can be routed through a single opening, but the inserts must be positioned around cables after insertion requiring additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cable gland is pre-configured with the retaining structure integrated onto the tubular side wall in a ready-to-use state. The retaining structure is positioned and dimensioned during manufacturing to automatically engage and secure the cable upon insertion, eliminating the need for subsequent positioning or assembly steps that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure is integrally formed with the tubular side wall, merging two previously separate components (frame and inserts) into a unified structure. This integration simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining the functionality of securing multiple cables, reducing both part count and assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid clamping elements are used to secure cables, then strain relief is achieved, but subsequent adjustments to cable lengths require time-consuming disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure employs dynamic deformation characteristics that allow it to be easily deformed during installation to secure the cable, and subsequently deformed again in reverse to release the cable for adjustment or removal. This bidirectional deformability provides both strong securing during operation and easy adjustability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable gland allows for temporary discarding of the deformed state during installation to achieve securing, and then enables recovery of the deformed state during adjustment or removal. The structure can be deliberately deformed to release the cable, allowing adjustments without permanent damage or complex disassembly procedures.
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
Facilitates fast and adaptable cable installation with enhanced strain relief, maintaining cable security under defined forces without disassembly, suitable for various cable diameters and applications.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining structure is in contact with the tubular side wall via a force transmission surface to transfer an initial force applied to the cable. Through this contact, the initial force is transferred from the cable to the retaining structure and then to the tubular side wall, which causes a radial deformation of the retaining structure and/or the side wall
Implementation Method 2
the initial force is transferred from the cable to the retaining structure and then to the tubular side wall, which causes a radial deformation of the retaining structure and/or the side wall, or particularly the distal end of the side wall, which exerts a radially inward holding force on the cable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cable gland (1) for a cable and a method for installing a cable in a cable gland. The cable gland comprises a tubular side wall (3) extending about a central axis from a proximal end (5) to a distal end (6), and a retaining structure (4) arranged at the distal end (6) of the tubular side wall.The cable entry (4) is further designed such that when a cable (2) is passed through it in a first direction, the cable (2) slides through the retaining structure (4) in a sliding position, and when the cable (2) is passed through it in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the retaining structure (4) is deformed into a fixed position in which the retaining structure (4) is in contact with the tubular side wall (3) via a force transmission surface (9), and a force initially applied to the cable for passage is transferred via the force transmission surface (9) to the tubular side wall (3), so that a radial deformation of the retaining structure (4) and/or the proximal end (6) of the side wall (3) exerts a radially inwardly directed holding force on the cable.