Heating Cable Terminal Box Soldering for Compact Pipeline Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing electric heating cables for underwater pipelines result in a bulky connection end that is difficult to position, with uncertain mechanical and electrical security due to stress from coiling, leading to potential detachment and reduced lifespan of the conduit.
Innovation Solution
A method using a box with a central cavity to house stripped ends of phase conductors and a thermofusible conductive binder for soldering, providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection, either by heating the binder inside the box or pouring it into the cavity with the conductors, ensuring a reliable and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive metallic crimping part is used to connect phase conductor loops, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection end becomes bulky and difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from a bulky crimping structure and relocates it to a compact terminal box. The terminal box houses the crimping part and conductors internally, presenting a compact external form that is easy to position while maintaining secure electrical connections inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies nesting by placing the crimping part, stripped conductor ends, and connection elements inside the terminal box. This nested arrangement allows the connection mechanism to be contained within a compact structure, reducing external bulk while preserving internal connection functionality.
2Reliability
If a thermo-retractable sleeve is used to insulate the connection end, then insulation is provided, but positioning becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal box is pre-assembled with the crimping part and insulation elements already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site positioning of thermo-retractable sleeves, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring proper insulation is already secured before the cable is coiled and installed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the cable is coiled in a spiral around the conduit, then the conduit is heated effectively, but substantial stresses risk detaching the crimping part
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping part and conductors are nested inside the terminal box, which provides structural containment. This nesting protects the connection from the mechanical stresses generated when the cable is coiled in a spiral around the conduit, preventing detachment while allowing effective heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal box serves as a protective structure that cushions the crimping part and connection elements against mechanical stresses. This beforehand protection ensures that when the cable is coiled and subjected to tension, the connection remains secure and detached-free.
4Reliability
If additional thickness is added to the connection end for insulation, then electrical security is improved, but the cable becomes bulkier and harder to position
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation elements are nested inside the terminal box along with the conductors and crimping part. This internal arrangement provides full electrical insulation and security without adding external thickness to the cable, maintaining ease of positioning while ensuring electrical security.
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
This method simplifies and accelerates the connection process, enhancing mechanical strength and electrical safety, reducing the risk of detachment and extending the conduit's lifespan by minimizing additional thickness and ensuring a perfect electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive binder agent that is thermofusible and hardens when cold are introduced into at least one central cavity of a box
Implementation Method 2
said sections with stripped ends of said phase conductors are soldered to the inside of said central cavity of said box by means of said binder
Implementation Method 3
said box and/or the binder that it contains is/are heated in order to make it/them fluid
Implementation Method 4
the whole thing is cooled
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an electric heating cable intended for pipelines. Sections (11a, 12a and 13a) of three phase conductors (11, 12 are 13) are stripped respectively. These sections are intended to be installed and both secured in place and electrically connected to each other inside a box (14) having, for example, a central cavity (15) having a rectangular cross-section, the depth of which is at least equal to the length of the stripped sections (11a, 12a and 13a) and the length of which is preferably greater than the transverse cross-section of these stripped sections of the phase conductors. They are secured in the central cavity (15) with a conductive binder (16), for example a tin solder, in order to ensure they are secured in place and electrically connected to each other.