Curing Device Axially Movable Cones Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for crosslinking electrical cable insulation, particularly at connection points, are inefficient due to leaks and inconsistent sealing, which can lead to suboptimal crosslinking processes.

Innovation Solution

A pressure vessel device with axially movable cones and plastically deformable sealing bands ensures hermetic sealing during crosslinking by using cones that move outward under pressure to engage tightly with the cable and sealing strips that deform to maintain the seal, allowing for efficient application of heat and pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cone is firmly arranged in the half-shells (fixed positioning), then the sealing structure is simple, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to leaks and inconsistent sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cone is designed to be axially movable within the conical inner guide instead of being fixed. When overpressure is generated in the pressure vessel, the cone moves axially outward under the pressure force until it enters into sealed engagement with the cable. This dynamic positioning allows the sealing surface to adapt to cable position variations and achieve reliable sealing without complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cone is pressed outward by overpressure to engage with the cable, then the sealing effect is improved, but the force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectVSAvoidforce
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cone is designed with a conical shape that matches the conical inner guide. This curved geometric design allows the cone to be guided smoothly along the conical surface during axial movement. The conical geometry converts the pressure force into an effective sealing force as the cone progresses outward and engages with the cable, distributing the force application and reducing peak force requirements compared to a flat or non-guided design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If the seal is designed to allow axial movement of the cone, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the sealing consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsealing consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible seal element is provided between the cone and the conical inner guide. This flexible seal allows the cone to move axially along the conical guide while maintaining continuous sealing contact. The flexibility of the seal element accommodates the axial movement of the cone without compromising sealing consistency, as the seal can deform to maintain contact during the cone's travel from the initial position to the engaged position with the cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device effectively prevents gas escape and ensures consistent sealing, enabling efficient crosslinking of cable insulation by maintaining pressure and temperature within the cylindrical space, ensuring proper crosslinking of cable connections.

Implementation Method 1

the seal is designed as a plastically deformable sealing band which is plastically deformed during the corresponding axial movement of the cone and thereby causes a correct seal in every axial position of the cone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

Due to the overpressure prevailing in the cylindrical space, the respective cone is pressed or moved axially outwards in its conical inner guide until it enters into sealed engagement with the outside of the cable guided through the cone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

substances which have linear or branched macromolecules of the same or different chemical identity are linked to one another to form three-dimensional polymeric networks by the action of heat and pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3270479B1Curing device
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 MASCHINENBAU SCHOLZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3270479B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3270479B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for crosslinking the insulation of electrical cables (8), in particular a connection point thereof, is described. The device comprises a pressure vessel formed by an upper shell (3) and a lower shell (2), which encloses a cylindrical interior space in which the cable (8) with the insulation to be crosslinked is arranged. At both axial ends of the pressure vessel, a cone (9) is located inside, which is axially movable and is pressed axially outwards by the pressure prevailing in the pressure vessel. A seal (7) between the upper shell (3) and the lower shell (2) and a sealing strip (12), which seals the gap between the cone (9) and the corresponding inner guide (5) of the pressure vessel, ensure a corresponding sealing effect.