Cable Splice Enclosure Mechanical Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication cable splice enclosures face issues with insufficient waterproof capability, high construction and maintenance costs, inconsistent quality, and poor safety, particularly due to the limitations of existing waterproof mechanisms in handling humidity and water exposure.
Innovation Solution
A communication cable splice enclosure design incorporating a connecting portion with an elastic shrinkable tube for waterproofing, combined with a mechanical waterproof mechanism, allowing for adaptable sealing suitable for various splicing operations, including mid-span splicing of backbone cables, while minimizing the need for complex adjustments and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heat-shrinkable type waterproof mechanism is used, then material cost is low and few components are needed, but labor safety is influenced, construction is time-consuming, and construction quality is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field (gasoline burner heating) with a mechanical field (screw tightening mechanism). The mechanical waterproof sealing structure uses packing screws and elastic waterproof gaskets to achieve sealing without fire, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the elastic waterproof gasket - between the fastening shell and the cable. This gasket mediates the sealing process, allowing reliable waterproofing through mechanical means rather than thermal processing, thus improving both safety and consistency.
2Ease of manufacture
If heat-shrinkable type waterproof mechanism is used, then material cost is low, but construction is highly time-consuming and construction quality is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming thermal shrinking process with a quick mechanical assembly process. The waterproof sealing structure can be assembled by simply tightening packing screws, eliminating the need for heating equipment and thermal processing time, thus significantly improving construction efficiency.
3Reliability
If mechanical waterproof mechanism is used, then safety is high and fire is not needed, but more components are needed and construction procedures are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waterproof sealing function with the cable fixing function into a single integrated structure. The fastening shell serves dual purposes: it anchors the cable and provides the waterproof barrier when combined with the elastic gasket, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening shell is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both mechanical anchoring and waterproof sealing. By integrating these functions, the patent reduces component count while maintaining high safety and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cable splice enclosures are used in underground ducts, then cable distribution is achieved, but waterproof capability is insufficient leading to cable aging and transmission hindrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic waterproof gasket that can deform and conform to the cable surface. This flexible sealing element adapts to different cable diameters and shapes, providing effective waterproof protection against water and humidity in underground environments while maintaining cable distribution versatility.
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
Enhances waterproof efficiency, reduces construction and maintenance costs, and improves safety by providing consistent quality across different splicing operations, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
After the hard plastic spiral object (i.e. ribbon) which is spirally configured on the inner wall of the elasticity shrinkable tube is removed, a waterproof structure is formed between the cylindrical member and the cable which passes through the cylindrical member and enters into the communication cable splice enclosure. The elasticity shrinkable tube is manufactured by using the elastic material having high elongation, high tensile strength and excellent elastic recovery
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cable splice enclosure is provided. The cable splice enclosure includes a first portion; and a second portion connected to the first portion, fixing the cable and forming a water-tight seal with the first portion.