Flexible Cable Entry Device for Electronic Chassis Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable entry devices for electronic equipment chassis lack flexibility in accommodating varying cable sizes and locations, and they are difficult to assemble and install, while also failing to effectively prevent water and debris ingress.
Innovation Solution
A cable entry device featuring a flexible base member with grommets and a frame that allows for adjustable cable sizes and locations, with a design that includes a slit for cable insertion and a registration feature for easy assembly, ensuring a waterproof seal through the use of resilient materials like rubber and metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rubber pieces with openings are used for cable entry, then cables can be inserted through the openings, but it is difficult to control small gaps around the rubber pieces and match cable sizes to openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible grommet made of elastomeric material that can deform to accommodate cables of different diameters. The grommet's flexibility allows it to conform to various cable sizes while maintaining a sealed interface, eliminating the need for precise gap control around rigid openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is designed with variable thickness - thinner at the cable-contacting surface to accommodate different cable diameters, and thicker at the sealing surface to maintain effective sealing. This parameter variation allows the same grommet to adapt to multiple cable sizes while preserving sealing effectiveness.
2Strength
If screws are tightened to mate top cover and base together, then the assembly is secured, but it is difficult to control small gaps around rubber pieces as pressure is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet's flexible elastomeric material allows it to deform under compression from the screws, conforming to the cable surface and maintaining a sealed interface even when the top cover and base are tightly fastened together.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, deformable element that adapts its shape under load. When screw pressure is applied, the grommet compresses and deforms to fill gaps and maintain sealing, rather than maintaining a fixed rigid form.
3Reliability
If electronic cable gland is used with printed circuit board directly adjacent, then electrical connection is achieved, but the location of electrical components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cable entry system is divided into separate functional elements: the grommet for mechanical protection and sealing, the frame for structural support, and the cable aperture for cable passage. This segmentation allows the printed circuit board to be positioned independently without being constrained by the cable entry location.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure that provides a stable mounting surface for the grommet and creates a controlled cable entry aperture. This intermediary allows the printed circuit board to be positioned elsewhere in the enclosure while still achieving reliable electrical connection through the cable route.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable sizes are accommodated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using different grommets for different cable sizes, the patent uses a single grommet design with variable thickness. The grommet is thinner where it contacts the cable to accommodate different diameters, and thicker at the sealing surface to maintain effective sealing across all cable sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple cable diameters through its flexible elastomeric material and variable thickness profile. This single multi-functional grommet replaces what would otherwise require multiple size-specific grommets, simplifying the overall device.
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 provides a flexible and easy-to-assemble cable entry system that accommodates cables of different sizes, maintains a watertight seal, and complies with IP standards such as IP6X, IPX5, and IPX7, protecting electronic equipment from environmental debris and water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient base member (112) including a grommet (180) with a bore (182) therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A cable entry device for guiding cables through an aperture of an electronic equipment chassis is disclosed. The cable entry device includes a flexible base member. The flexible base has a grommet with a bore therethrough. A slit is formed through the grommet. The grommet holds a cable in the bore. The cable entry device includes a frame mated to the base member. The frame includes an aperture that is operable to receive the cable. The aperture is aligned with the bore of the grommet. The frame holds the base member to the electronic equipment chassis so the grommet extends through the aperture of the electronic equipment chassis.