Cable Splice Sleeve Assemblies With Threaded Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable splice sleeve assemblies lack effective sealing and ease of assembly, leading to potential electrical failures and maintenance challenges in applications like oil and gas production where reliable electrical connections are critical.
Innovation Solution
The proposed cable splice sleeve assemblies feature a sleeve design with gland bodies, seals, and caps that securely house electrical cable terminals and lugs, utilizing threaded connections and finger-seal mechanisms to ensure a sealed chamber and easy assembly/disassembly, enhancing the sealing efficacy and operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable splice sleeve assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the sealing effectiveness is insufficient leading to potential electrical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The cable splice sleeve assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer sleeve, a gland body with threaded coupling, a seal element, and a cap. Each segment performs a specific function (mechanical support, sealing, electrical insulation), allowing the system to achieve reliable sealing while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the seal element is positioned within the gland body, which is in turn coupled to the outer sleeve. The cap is threaded onto the gland body to enclose the seal and cable terminals. This nested arrangement ensures that each component protects and supports the others, creating an effective sealed environment without requiring excessive structural complexity
2Ease of repair
If traditional cable splice sleeve assemblies are used, then the assembly process is straightforward, but disassembly and maintenance are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows the assembly to be disassembled by simply unscrewing the cap from the gland body and separating the gland body from the outer sleeve. This segmentation maintains connection security during assembly while enabling easy disassembly for maintenance or replacement of cable terminals
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded coupling mechanism is pre-configured with standard threading that allows for tool-based assembly and disassembly. The gland body and cap are designed with predetermined threading patterns that facilitate straightforward screwing and unscrewing operations, making maintenance accessible without requiring specialized tools or procedures
3Reliability
If sealed chambers are created for cable terminals, then electrical connection reliability improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed chamber is created through segmentation of the assembly into distinct functional zones: the outer sleeve provides mechanical support and positioning, the gland body creates the sealed environment through threaded coupling, and the seal element provides the actual sealing barrier. This segmentation achieves reliable electrical connection protection while keeping each component relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed chamber is formed by nesting the seal element within the gland body, which is then coupled to the outer sleeve. The cap is nested onto the gland body to complete the enclosed chamber. This nested configuration creates a reliable sealed environment for cable terminals without requiring complex assembly procedures, as each nested component simply needs to be coupled to its adjacent component
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 reliable and efficient method for sealing electrical connections, reducing the risk of failures and simplifying maintenance by ensuring a secure, sealed environment for electrical cables and lugs, thus improving the operational reliability in harsh environments like oil and gas production.
Implementation Method 1
a first cap pressing a portion of the first gland body against the first seal; a second cap pressing a portion of the second gland body against the second seal
Data Source
AI summary
Cable splice sleeve assemblies and methods of housing cables. The assemblies may include reversibly engageable segments configured with interlocking ends. When engaged, the segments form a seal that insulates cable terminals disposed within the sleeve assembly. Some assemblies include extensions that may be biased to improve sealing capabilities.