Flat Cable Seal Assembly With Adhesive Edge Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies for flat flexible cables face challenges in maintaining reliable sealing pressure, especially at the edges, and are prone to damage from sharp edges, and are difficult to insert due to weak column strength.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly with a first and second section, featuring an adhesive channel and ribs, uses a heat-activated adhesive to securely attach the cable within the seal, ensuring a robust seal by attaching the seal 100 and the cable 30 through the heating and melting process, avoiding issues that can arise with lack of sealing force on a non-round cable. The adhesive 200 also protects portions of the seal 100 from damage that can arise from sharp edges of the cable 30. The embodiments of the sealed cables 10′, 10″′, 10″ may have a support 180 that forms the sealing passageway 140 and/or the adhesive channel 150, providing an even more robust connection between the seal 100 and the cable 30 through the adhesive 200, while maintaining the elastomeric material 170 for sealing engagement with a housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is placed around a flat flexible cable, then sealing is achieved, but sealing pressure cannot be maintained at the edges of the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with varying thickness across its structure. The first portion has a first thickness while the second portion has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. This local variation in thickness creates corresponding variation in sealing pressure, with higher pressure at the edges where the second portion contacts the cable, ensuring reliable sealing at the most critical areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flat flexible cable is used, then flexibility is achieved, but column strength is weak making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is provided within the seal assembly to support the flat flexible cable during insertion and operation. This support structure prevents the cable from buckling or deforming under compression, providing the necessary column strength for easy insertion while allowing the cable to maintain its inherent flexibility for its intended function.
3Reliability
If a seal contacts a flat flexible cable, then sealing is achieved, but sharp edges can cut or damage the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is positioned between the seal and the sharp edges of the flat flexible cable. This support structure acts as a protective barrier that prevents the sharp cable edges from directly contacting and cutting the seal material, thereby protecting the seal from damage while maintaining effective sealing.
4Strength
If adhesive is added to the seal, then attachment strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is integrated directly into the seal structure itself, forming a unified component rather than a separate addition. The seal and adhesive work together as a combined system where the adhesive is positioned within the seal to simultaneously provide attachment function and maintain the seal structure, reducing overall device complexity despite the added attachment capability.
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 ensures a reliable and durable seal by maintaining sealing pressure and protecting the seal from damage, while allowing easy insertion and robust attachment to a housing, thus enhancing the seal's reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
uses a heat-activated adhesive to securely attach the cable within the seal, ensuring a robust seal by attaching the seal 100 and the cable 30 through the heating and melting process
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly includes a seal and an adhesive positioned in the seal. The seal has a first section and a second section extending from the first section. The seal has a sealing passageway extending through the first section and the second section along a longitudinal direction. The second section has an adhesive channel extending around the sealing passageway. The adhesive is positioned in the adhesive channel of the second section. The adhesive is disposed on an inner surface of the seal in the second section.