Heated Cable Cover Structure for Incubator Condensation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable covers in constant-temperature units face challenges in effectively preventing condensation near openings, as the heat from the internal heater may not be directly transmitted to the cable.
Innovation Solution
A cable cover design that includes a holding member, a first sleeve member with a heating unit, and optionally additional sleeve members and sealing components, which applies heat directly to the cable as it exits the constant-temperature unit through an installation hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a heater is installed on the inner wall to heat part of the cable and prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but heat transmission to the cable is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A heating unit is introduced as an intermediary device between the cable and the thermal environment. This heating unit directly contacts the cable and provides targeted thermal energy, ensuring sufficient heat transmission to prevent condensation on the cable surface without relying solely on ambient heat from the inner wall heater.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on general ambient heating from the inner wall, the invention applies localized heating directly to the cable through the heating unit. This creates a temperature gradient focused on the cable surface, ensuring the cable temperature is sufficiently elevated to prevent condensation while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Temperature
If the cable is exposed to high-temperature and high-humidity environment, then the constant-temperature unit can maintain its operating environment, but condensation occurs on the cable near the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of the high-temperature and high-humidity environment (which causes condensation on the cable) into a beneficial heating source. The heating unit utilizes the thermal energy from the internal space environment to warm the cable, transforming the condensation-inducing conditions into a useful thermal resource that prevents condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable heating system is designed to utilize the existing thermal environment within the constant-temperature unit. The heating unit operates passively or with minimal energy input, drawing thermal energy from the surrounding high-temperature environment to maintain the cable temperature above the dew point, thereby preventing condensation without requiring additional active heating.
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 effectively prevents condensation near the installation hole by ensuring the cable is heated, even in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, thereby maintaining a sealed and dry condition within the constant-temperature unit.
Implementation Method 1
heat is applied from the heating unit disposed on the first sleeve member to the cable that goes from the internal space to the external space through the installation hole provided in the wall of the constant-temperature unit and is held by the holding member, thereby heating part of the cable that is fixed in the installation hole provided in the wall of the constant-temperature unit
Data Source
AI summary
A cable cover fixes, in a measurement hole provided in the wall surface of an incubator, a cable that comes out of an internal space, through a measurement hole, and into an external space. The cable cover includes a grommet, a core sleeve, and a heater. The grommet holds the cable. The substantially cylindrical core sleeve is disposed around the outer periphery of the grommet. The heater is disposed on the core sleeve and applies heat to the cable held in the grommet via the core sleeve.