Cable Sealing Grommet Groove Structure for Wide Diameter Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable sealing grommets have limitations in accommodating a wide range of cable thicknesses, requiring multiple sizes and increasing manufacturing complexity, and are prone to user errors due to small markings and adverse environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member with a circumferential groove and conic cutaway design that allows for increased deformation, enabling sealing of a wider range of cable diameters, combined with a breakable screw head for precise torque application and a multi-sealing member for multiple cables, reducing the need for multiple sizes and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a grommet is designed with limited deformation range, then it can be manufactured simply, but it can only accommodate a limited range of cable thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into three distinct portions: a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function - the end portions provide structural support while the intermediate portion with the circumferential groove provides enhanced deformation capability, enabling the grommet to accommodate a wider range of cable thicknesses without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A circumferential groove is introduced specifically in the intermediate portion of the grommet. This local structural modification creates a region of reduced wall thickness that can deform more readily, allowing the grommet to adapt to different cable diameters while maintaining overall structural integrity in the end portions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of grommets are produced to accommodate different cable thicknesses, then all cable sizes can be sealed, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet design with the circumferential groove in the intermediate portion enables a single grommet size to function universally across a broad range of cable thicknesses. The controlled deformation capability allows one grommet design to replace multiple specialized sizes, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If small markings are used on flanges to indicate sealing completion, then the device remains compact, but user error increases in adverse environments
Solution Approach 1:
The flange incorporates a visual indication system that changes or becomes apparent when the grommet is properly compressed. This could involve color changes, visible gaps, or other visual cues that are easily detectable in adverse environments, replacing small, hard-to-see markings and significantly reducing user error in seal formation
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 allows for efficient sealing of a broader range of cable thicknesses with fewer sizes, reduces user error through precise torque indication, and simplifies manufacturing, while maintaining high compressibility and adaptability for various cable configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing member is made from a resiliently deformable material and has a passage along its axis for receiving a cable. When a compressing force is applied to the first end and the second end along the axis of the sealing member the intermediate portion deforms to cause the passage to narrow.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a sealing member for providing a seal around a cable is provided. The sealing member comprises a resiliently deformable material and has a passage along its axis for receiving a cable. The sealing member comprises a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion, the first end disposed at the opposite end of the sealing member from the second end along the axis and the intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion comprises a circumferential groove disposed on its outer surface such that when a compressing force is applied to the first end and the second end along the axis of the sealing member the intermediate portion deforms to cause the passage to narrow.