Integrated Cable Sealing Plug for Compact Underwater Cabins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater machinery equipment sealing methods using watertight joints are costly and occupy significant space, making them unsuitable for applications with limited space and multiple cable connections.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device comprising a sealing plug and fixing assembly that integrates multiple cables and fixes them to a sealed cabin, using an interference fit and integrated injection molding to create a compact, cost-effective waterproof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If watertight joints are used for each cable, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate watertight joints for individual cables are merged into a single integrated sealing plate structure. The sealing plate contains multiple through-holes that accommodate multiple cables simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate watertight joint assemblies. This consolidation maintains sealing reliability while significantly reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate serves multiple functions: it provides sealing for multiple cables simultaneously, acts as a mounting structure for the sealed cabin, and integrates the sealing function into a single universal component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate watertight joints for each cable, reducing both complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If watertight joints are used for each cable, then sealing reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple expensive watertight joint components are merged into a single sealing plate that can be manufactured as one piece or in fewer pieces. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be procured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the sealing reliability function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple complex watertight joint designs, the invention uses a standardized sealing plate with multiple through-holes that can accommodate different cable configurations. This standardized approach allows for easier manufacturing and reduces the need for custom-designed joints for each cable.
3Reliability
If one watertight joint is provided for each cable, then sealing performance is improved, but space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate watertight joint assemblies that would each occupy space are merged into a single compact sealing plate. The sealing plate integrates multiple cable passage openings within a small footprint, allowing multiple cables to pass through a single localized area rather than requiring separate joint assemblies distributed across the sealed cabin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate contains multiple through-holes nested within a single planar structure, allowing multiple cable passages to be accommodated within the volume of a single component. This nesting approach minimizes the overall space required compared to having separate joint assemblies for each cable.
4Reliability
If multiple watertight joints are installed, then sealing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate installation procedures for individual watertight joints are merged into a single installation process for the sealing plate. The sealing plate can be installed as one component with all cable passages already configured, eliminating the need to separately install and seal multiple individual joints, thereby simplifying the installation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plate is pre-configured with multiple through-holes and sealing features during manufacturing, so that during installation, no additional sealing operations are required for each cable. The sealing capability is already built into the structure, allowing for quicker and easier installation compared to installing separate watertight joints on-site.
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 provides a simple, low-cost, and space-efficient waterproof seal for underwater machinery equipment, enabling multiple cables to connect with the sealed cabin without the need for complex and expensive watertight joints.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing plug and the sealing hole may be in interference fit
Implementation Method 2
the fixing block compresses the sealing plug
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device and underwater machinery equipment are provided. The sealing device includes a sealing plug and a fixing assembly, wherein the sealing plug is in fixed connection with multiple cables, and the fixing assembly is constructed to fix the sealing plug on a sealed cabin in an abutting manner, such that the sealing plug is occluded in the sealed cabin. The underwater machinery equipment includes the sealing device as described above.