Cable Gland Feed-Through Tightness Testing With an Inserted Test Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the tightness of cable gland feed-throughs in immersible electrical connectors are costly, time-consuming, and require heavy equipment and highly qualified operators, making them inefficient for individual connector qualification.
Innovation Solution
A tightness testing system that includes a testing ring inserted into the sealing means of the cable gland, connected to a pressure/vacuum source, allowing for quick and reliable assessment of the gland's tightness by monitoring pressure development over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If helium tightness test with mass spectrometry is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tightness testing function from the complex mass spectrometry system by using a simple pressure sensor to detect pressure changes in a sealed chamber. The test ring isolates the testing function, allowing pressure-based detection instead of sophisticated mass spectrometry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified copy of the tightness testing function using a test ring and pressure sensor instead of the original helium spray and mass spectrometry system. This copy performs the same tightness verification function but with significantly simpler and less expensive equipment
2Reliability
If individual connector testing is performed, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The test ring is pre-installed in the cable gland body during manufacturing, so that when testing is needed, the connector is already prepared for immediate testing. This eliminates setup time and allows rapid sequential testing of multiple connectors, improving productivity while maintaining individual testing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system allows rapid dynamic testing of multiple connectors by simply connecting each connector to the pressure sensor and performing the test sequentially. The system is designed for quick connection and disconnection, enabling fast throughput while ensuring each connector is individually verified
3Measurement precision
If heavy equipment is used for tightness testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is designed to be self-explanatory and easy to operate, with automatic pressure monitoring and clear indication of test results. The pressure sensor and control system handle the complex measurements automatically, requiring minimal operator intervention and no specialized training, while still providing accurate tightness verification
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 system provides a cost-effective, time-efficient, and operator-friendly method for testing the tightness of cable gland feed-throughs, ensuring reliable sealing without the need for extensive equipment or specialized personnel.
Implementation Method 1
connected to a pressure/vacuum source for testing the tightness of the cable gland
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for testing the tightness of a cable gland feed-through of a partition, in particular of an immersible electrical connector, of the type including a cable gland body in which a seal and a cable gland rammer for compressing the seal are placed, characterized in that it includes a tightness testing ring inserted in the seal and provided with a bore opposite a hole of the cable gland body opening on same, and provided with a connection to a pressure/vacuum source for testing the tightness of the cable gland.