Cable Seal Structure With Steam-Shielded Elastomer Bushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal structures, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, suffer from degradation of their sealing function when exposed to hot steam, which can occur during disinfection processes in environments like food factories.
Innovation Solution
A seal structure comprising a hood, a bushing made of elastomer with a flange and tapered portion, and a holder with specific pressing portions and a cover, which together prevent direct exposure of the bushing to hot steam by enclosing it and ensuring the cable is securely sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bushing is exposed to hot steam for disinfection, then the disinfection process can be completed, but the sealing function of the bushing degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional portions: a first pressing portion that contacts the bushing, a second pressing portion that contacts the cable, and a cover that encloses the assembly. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function in protecting the bushing from hot steam while maintaining sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure between the bushing and the external environment (hot steam). By positioning the holder between the bushing and hot steam, it shields the bushing from direct exposure to harmful thermal conditions during disinfection.
2Reliability
If the bushing is tightly sealed against the cable, then the sealing function is improved, but the bushing material may degrade under harsh disinfection conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a protective intermediary that shields the bushing from direct contact with hot steam during disinfection. The cover further encloses the bushing and cable assembly, creating a barrier that prevents thermal degradation of the elastomer material while maintaining the tight seal necessary for waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder and cover structure is designed beforehand to protect the bushing from thermal shock during disinfection. By pre-positioning these protective elements, the bushing is cushioned against sudden temperature changes that would otherwise cause material degradation and seal failure.
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 proposed seal structure effectively prevents the degradation of the sealing function due to hot steam exposure, maintaining the integrity of the seal even during disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
the bushing is elastically deformed and is pressed against the holder, the hood and the cable
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal structure comprises a hood, a bushing made of elastomer and a holder. The hood has an attachment portion. The bushing has a flange and a tapered portion. The holder has an attached portion and a cover. Under a state where a cable passes through the seal structure in an up-down direction, the bushing is received in the holder, the attached portion faces the attachment portion, the holder is fixed to the hood, and thereby the seal structure takes an assembled state. Under the assembled state, the bushing is elastically deformed and is pressed against the holder, the hood and the cable. Meanwhile, the cover of the holder encloses the cable in a horizontal plane and covers an upper end of the bushing from above.