Cable Pass-Through Device with Two-Part Elastomeric Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for passing cables through barriers, such as computer chassis walls, often result in unsealed openings that compromise cooling efficiency and are difficult to install or remove, especially when needing to accommodate cables of varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through device with a two-part elastomeric seal system and a movable door that compresses around the cable to create an airtight seal, allowing for easy installation and removal, and accommodating cables of different diameters through compression grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam packing or glue is used to seal cable openings, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two independent elastomeric segments that can move relative to each other. One segment remains stationary while the other moves with the door, allowing the seal to be installed without complex adhesive applications while maintaining effective sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second elastomeric seal segment is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between open and closed states. This movement capability enables easy installation and removal while maintaining seal integrity when the door is closed.
2Reliability
If foam packing or glue is used to seal cable openings, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but cable removal and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second seal segment allows the seal to open and close dynamically. When the door is removed for cable replacement, the seal opens to allow cable access, and when the door is reinstalled, the seal closes to restore sealing effectiveness, enabling easy cable maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design allows for temporary separation (when door is open for cable replacement) and then recovery of the sealed state (when door is closed). The seal segments can be easily repositioned to restore the sealed configuration after cable maintenance activities.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed seal structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different cable diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material properties and the movable segment design allow the seal to change its physical state and configuration. The seal can deform and adjust its parameters (shape, volume, position) to accommodate cables of varying diameters while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric seal segments provides flexibility to adapt to different cable sizes. The flexible material can deform around cables of various diameters while maintaining seal integrity, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms or multiple seal sizes.
4Ease of operation
If cable openings are left unsealed, then installation ease is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal segments are designed to automatically engage and create a seal when the door is installed, without requiring additional sealing actions. The movable segment naturally positions itself to contact the stationary segment, providing self-sealing functionality that maintains cooling efficiency while keeping the system simple to install.
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 an efficient and easy-to-use solution for sealing cable passages, maintaining airflow integrity while allowing for cables of varying sizes, enhancing cooling efficiency and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric first seal segment coupled to the main body at the opening of the main body, and an elastomeric second seal segment positioned adjacent the first seal segment
Implementation Method 2
The door is coupled to the main body and the second seal segment, wherein the door is movable between a door open position and a door closed position. Movement of the door to the door closed position induces the second seal segment to move to the closed position.
Implementation Method 3
at least one seal segment of the first seal segment and the second seal segment comprises compression grooves. The compression grooves are adjacent the cable opening to facilitate establishing an airtight seal between the seal segment and the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A pass-through device seals an opening of a barrier while permitting one or more cables to pass through the opening. The pass-through device includes a two-part seal that moves between an open position that permits insertion of a cable, and a closed position that establishes an airtight seal around the cable. The two-part seal can include a stationary seal segment and a moving seal segment. The moving seal segment can be moved away from the stationary seal segment by unlatching and opening a door on the pass-through device. A cable can be placed between the seal segments, and the door can be closed until it latches, thus sealing the cable between the seal segments. The seal segments can include inclines to urge the cable towards cable openings of the seal segments. In some cases, the two-part seal can include openings for multiple cables.