Dispenser Apparatus for Curable Liquid Material in Cable Glands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable gland filling methods using two-part clay-filled epoxy compounds face issues such as long cure times, potential exposure to hazardous materials during mixing, air entrapment, and difficulty in filling small glands, which can compromise the explosion barrier and electrical integrity.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser apparatus with sealed compartments for mixing curable liquid material components, an elongate nozzle for controlled dispensing, and a flexible bag with clamps to prevent premature mixing and ensure thorough mixing, allowing for rapid filling of cable glands with a fast-curing, less viscous material that forms a reliable barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part clay-filled epoxy compound is used to fill cable glands, then a barrier against explosion effects is formed, but the cure time becomes relatively long requiring the assembly to be left undisturbed for several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the filler material by using a less viscous, fast-curing liquid compound instead of the traditional clay-filled epoxy putty. This allows the material to flow easily into the cable gland and cure rapidly, reducing the undisturbed time required from several hours to a fraction of that time while maintaining the explosion barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite liquid compound that combines the barrier-forming properties of epoxy with fast-curing and low-viscosity characteristics. This composite material achieves both the reliability of explosion protection and the speed of rapid curing, resolving the contradiction between barrier formation and cure time.
2Ease of operation
If components of the filler material are mixed manually, then the curable liquid material can be prepared, but users may come into contact with hazardous materials during mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser apparatus is designed to automatically mix the two components of the curable liquid material within its sealed structure. The system performs the mixing function itself without requiring user intervention, thereby eliminating exposure to hazardous materials while maintaining ease of operation. The user simply operates the dispenser to dispense the pre-mixed material.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the hazardous curable liquid material and the user. By containing the mixing process within the sealed apparatus, it mediates the interaction between the user and the hazardous material, allowing the user to benefit from the material's properties without direct contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional putty like material is used, then filling can be performed, but air can become trapped within the cable gland causing the barrier to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the filler material from a thick putty-like consistency to a less viscous liquid state. This parameter change allows the material to flow freely and completely fill the cable gland, displacing air bubbles and ensuring complete barrier formation without trapping air pockets that would compromise reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small cable glands are filled with traditional material, then filling is attempted, but the process becomes relatively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the viscosity parameter of the filler material to a lower value, making it less viscous and more fluid. This parameter change enables the material to easily flow into and fill small cable glands, making the filling process simple and straightforward rather than difficult, thereby improving ease of operation for small-scale applications.
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
Enables rapid formation of a filled cable gland with minimized air entrapment and ensured electrical integrity, reducing exposure to hazardous materials and simplifying the filling process while ensuring a complete and effective explosion barrier.
Implementation Method 1
Mixing of the first and second components together causes gelling of the material and initiates curing of the curable liquid material 6.
Implementation Method 2
The curable liquid material may be adapted to change colour as a result of curing thereof.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dispenser apparatus (2) for a curable liquid material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flexible bag (8) defining a first compartment (10) for accommodating a first component of a curable liquid material, and a second compartment (12) for accommodating a second component of the curable liquid material and adapted to communicate with the first chamber to enable mixing of the first and second components to initiate curing of the curable liquid material. A first clamp (14) temporarily prevents mixing of the first and second components, and an elongate nozzle (16) communicates with the second compartment to dispense the mixed curable liquid material therefrom. A second clamp (18) temporarily prevents passage of the curable liquid material from the second compartment to the nozzle.