Gateway Cable Sealing Structure for Waterproof Network Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor gateway devices face challenges in achieving effective waterproofing for cables with network interface plugs, particularly in harsh environments, which complicates manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A gateway device design featuring a base with a built-in network interface and a cable waterproof structure that includes a cable with a sealing member at the joint between the cable body and the network interface plug, and a cover that buckles or is fastened to the base, utilizing a flexible or hard sealing member and a threading hole with a flexible sealing layer for effective waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable waterproof structure is disposed outside the body of the gateway device, then waterproof performance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and appearance effect is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cable waterproof structure directly into the gateway device body by forming a waterproof groove within the housing and using a waterproof plug that interfaces with the network interface internally. This merging eliminates the need for separate external waterproof structures, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining waterproof performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof structure is nested within the existing gateway device housing. The waterproof groove is formed inside the housing, and the waterproof plug is received within the network interface opening, creating a nested configuration that preserves the external appearance while providing internal waterproof protection.
2Reliability
If a cable waterproof structure is disposed outside the body of the gateway device, then waterproof performance is improved, but installation and removal become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a waterproof groove formed in the housing, a waterproof plug with sealing elements, and a network interface plug. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying installation and removal procedures while maintaining effective waterproof sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof groove is pre-formed in the housing during manufacturing, and the waterproof plug is pre-assembled with sealing elements before installation. This preliminary preparation enables quick installation by simply inserting the network interface plug with the waterproof plug into the pre-prepared groove, eliminating complex assembly steps during installation.
3Reliability
If a sealing member is attached to the threading hole through interference fit, then waterproof effect is improved, but manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible waterproof plug made of elastomeric material that can deform elastically during installation. This flexibility compensates for variations in threading hole dimensions, allowing the plug to achieve effective sealing through elastic deformation rather than requiring extremely precise interference fit tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof plug utilizes material property changes through its elastomeric characteristics, allowing it to transition between compressed and relaxed states. This parameter change in material behavior enables the plug to adapt to slight dimensional variations in the threading hole while maintaining consistent sealing performance.
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 reliable axial waterproofing for cables with various cross-sectional shapes, simplifies installation and removal, and facilitates maintenance while maintaining a good appearance effect for the gateway device.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member may be further disposed at a joint between the cable body and the network interface plug... the sealing member is connected to end surfaces of the cable body and the network interface plug through fastening... so that a liquid, dust, or the like can be prevented from entering the joint
Implementation Method 2
the sealing member is attached to the threading hole through interference fit, to implement effective waterproof for the cable
Implementation Method 3
the sealing member may be disposed as a hard sealing member, and a flexible sealing layer is disposed on a hole wall of the threading hole of the cover. When the sealing member is attached to the threading hole through interference fit, the sealing member can closely fit with the flexible sealing layer
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a gateway device. The gateway device may include a base and a cable waterproof structure disposed on the base, the base includes at least one network interface, and the cable waterproof structure includes a cable plugged into the network interface and a cover that covers the network interface. The cable includes a cable body and a network interface plug fastened to an end portion of the cable body. A sealing member is disposed at a joint between the cable body and the network interface plug. A threading hole through which the cable is threaded is disposed in the cover, and the sealing member is attached to the threading hole through interference fit. Effective waterproof for the cable can be implemented through interference fit between the sealing member and the threading hole of the cover.