Cold Shrink Covering Structure for Impervious Layer Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In covering tools with cold shrink tubes and impervious metal foil layers, uneven pressure is applied to the diameter-expanding holding member, requiring high strength and potentially damaging the impervious layer.
Innovation Solution
A covering tool with a cold shrink tube, a diameter-expanding holding member, an impervious layer outside the tube, and a cushion layer bonded to the impervious layer, where the impervious and cushion layers are disposed inside the tube during covering to alleviate pressure and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the impervious layer is pressed against the diameter-expanding holding member by the cold shrink tube to support uneven pressure, then the holding member can withstand the pressure, but the strength requirement of the holding member increases and the impervious layer may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A cushion layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the cold shrink tube and the impervious layer. This cushion layer absorbs and distributes the uneven pressure exerted by the cold shrink tube, preventing direct concentration of force on the impervious layer. The cushion layer acts as a mediator that transforms the harmful uneven pressure into a more uniform distribution, thereby protecting the impervious layer from damage while maintaining the structural integrity of the holding member
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion layer is positioned in advance between the cold shrink tube and the impervious layer to provide preemptive protection. By placing this cushioning element beforehand, the system prevents potential damage to the impervious layer before the pressing action occurs during the shrinking process. The cushion layer is pre-configured to absorb and distribute the impending uneven pressure, ensuring the impervious layer remains intact throughout the operation
2Strength
If a member having high strength is employed as the diameter-expanding holding member to support uneven pressure, then the holding member can withstand the pressure, but the device complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer serves as a mediator that redistributes the uneven pressure, allowing the diameter-expanding holding member to be constructed from materials with lower strength requirements. By introducing this intermediary element, the system decouples the direct relationship between the holding member's strength requirements and the pressure it must withstand, enabling the use of simpler, less complex holding member designs while maintaining adequate pressure support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of the cushion layer changes the pressure distribution parameters from highly uneven to more uniform. This parameter change in pressure distribution reduces the peak stress concentrations that would otherwise require high-strength materials in the holding member. By modifying the pressure parameter profile through the cushion layer, the system allows for the use of holding members with reduced strength specifications and lower complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the impervious layer is pressed against the diameter-expanding holding member, then the impervious layer is held in position, but wrinkles and holes may form in the impervious layer
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer acts as a mediator between the cold shrink tube and the impervious layer, providing a compliant interface that prevents direct pressing and wrinkling. This intermediary layer maintains the impervious layer's positioning stability through gentle contact while its cushioning properties prevent the formation of wrinkles and holes by distributing contact pressures uniformly across the impervious layer surface
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
This configuration reduces the strength requirement of the holding member and minimizes damage to the impervious layer by distributing pressure evenly and preventing wrinkles and holes in the impervious layer.
Implementation Method 1
an uneven pressure is applied to the diameter-expanding holding member in the circumferential direction... the impervious layer and the cushion layer are disposed inside the cold shrink tube... distributing pressure evenly
Implementation Method 2
cold shrink tube... covering such that the impervious layer and the cushion layer are disposed inside the cold shrink tube with respect to the cable connection portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a covering tool and a covering method capable of suppressing damage to an impervious layer while reducing the strength of a diameter-expanding holding member. A covering tool includes a cold shrink tube, a diameter-expanding holding member that holds the cold shrink tube in a state in which a diameter of the cold shrink tube is expanded, an impervious layer provided outside the cold shrink tube, and a cushion layer provided outside the cold shrink tube and bonded to the impervious layer.