Encoder Cable Outlet Structure for Sealing and EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable glands fail to accommodate the stricter sealing and electromagnetic shielding requirements of signal cables in motor encoders, especially when the installation space is limited and a minimum bending radius of the cables needs to be satisfied.

Innovation Solution

A compact outlet structure for encoders that includes an encoder case, a metal ring, a fixing member, a first O-shaped ring, and a second O-shaped ring, which provides a greater bending space for cable outlets while achieving IP67-class sealing and electromagnetic shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cable glands are used, then the sealing and electromagnetic shielding requirements can be met, but the installation space required is too large and the minimum bending radius cannot be satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and electromagnetic shielding performanceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet structure is divided into multiple functional components: a fixing member for cable fixation, a metal ring for electromagnetic shielding, and O-shaped rings for sealing. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the overall structure to achieve high reliability while maintaining a compact form factor that reduces installation space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal ring is nested within the fixing member, and the O-shaped rings are positioned within the structure to provide sealing. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated into a compact outlet structure, reducing the overall volume while maintaining sealing and electromagnetic shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the outlet structure is made compact, then the installation space is reduced, but the bending space for cable outlet may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet structure sizeVSAvoidbending space for cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet structure utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging components in different directions and layers. The fixing member extends in one direction while the metal ring and O-shaped rings are positioned in other dimensions, creating a compact structure that still provides adequate cable bending space through strategic spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If conventional cable glands are used, then the cable can be fixed, but the sealing effect and electromagnetic shielding capability are insufficient for signal cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fixationVSAvoidsealing and electromagnetic shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet structure combines different materials with complementary properties: the fixing member provides mechanical fixation, the metal ring provides electromagnetic shielding, and the O-shaped rings (likely rubber or elastomeric material) provide sealing. This composite approach ensures both ease of cable fixation and high reliability in sealing and electromagnetic shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated outlet structure: cable fixation, sealing, and electromagnetic shielding are all achieved within one compact assembly. The fixing member, metal ring, and O-shaped rings work together as a unified structure that simultaneously provides all required functions, eliminating the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compact outlet structure effectively seals and shields electromagnetic interference, providing a greater bending space for cable outlets and meeting the stringent requirements of signal cables in motor encoders.

Implementation Method 1

The metal ring is deformable under an external force to clasp the shielding layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The first O-shaped ring is capable of sealing a slit between the fixing member and the encoder case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

The second O-shaped ring is capable of sealing a slit between the fixing member and the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 4

The second O-shaped ring is also capable of applying an elastic force to the metal ring such that the metal ring remains abutting against the encoder case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 5

the metal ring abuts against the encoder case to enhance capabilities of shielding electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding:

Data Source

PatentUS12332084B2Encoder outlet structure and encoder
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SIEMENS AG
  • US12332084B2 patent drawing
  • US12332084B2 patent drawing
  • US12332084B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An outlet structure for an encoder includes: an encoder case, a metal ring, a fixing member, and two O-shaped rings. A first cable through-hole is disposed in the encoder case. The metal ring is disposed in the first cable through-hole to clasp a shielding layer of a cable. The fixing member includes a second cable through-hole, and the fixing member fits with interference into the first cable through-hole from an outer side of the encoder case. The first O-shaped ring fits onto the fixing member to seal a slit between the fixing member and the encoder case. The second O-shaped ring in the second cable through hole seals a slit between the fixing member and the cable, and the second O-shaped ring applies an elastic force to the metal ring such that the metal ring remains abutting against the encoder case.