Hermetic Seal Assembly for Cable Pass-Through and Pressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies face challenges in achieving effective sealing between two different atmospheres while allowing for the passage of tubes or cables, with issues such as low external resistance, undesired longitudinal movements, and limited cable or tube tightening due to geometric constraints, and lack of absolute tightness options.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly comprising a plug seal, sliding jacket, receiver bushing, pusher, upper retainer, and closing cap, where the pusher compresses the plug seal and is later replaced by the upper retainer, ensuring even force distribution and eliminating the need for external tools, allowing for both partial and total sealing with customizable through-holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple plug made of resilient material is used for sealing, then the sealing structure is simple, but the external resistance to certain atmospheres is low and longitudinal movements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple functional components: a plug seal with through-holes for cable passage, a sliding jacket that compresses the plug, retainers for positioning, and a closing cap for final sealing. Each component performs a specific function, collectively resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug seal is nested within the sliding jacket, which is in turn nested within the receiver bushing. The retainers and closing cap further nest within this structure, creating a compact multi-layered sealing system that provides high reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity.
2Device complexity
If cable or tube tightening is constrained by geometric factors, then the sealing structure is simple, but the tightening effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding jacket is designed to move dynamically during assembly, compressing the plug seal onto the cables or tubes. This dynamic compression mechanism overcomes geometric constraints and provides effective tightening, with the jacket sliding into position to apply uniform radial force.
3Reliability
If a total sealing system is implemented without cable or tube passage, then absolute tightness is achieved, but the sealing system cannot accommodate long elements passing through
Solution Approach 1:
The plug seal features localized through-holes that provide cable passage paths while the surrounding material maintains sealing integrity. The sliding jacket and closing cap create localized compression zones around these holes, ensuring absolute tightness in the sealed regions while allowing cable passage through the designated openings.
4Reliability
If multiple elements are integrated into an assembly, then effective sealing and cable passage are achieved, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug seal is pre-positioned with through-holes aligned for cable passage before the sliding jacket is installed. The retainers are pre-placed to guide the closing cap into position, allowing for efficient sequential assembly that minimizes time loss while ensuring effective sealing.
5Device complexity
If forces are not well distributed in the sealing element, then the sealing structure is simple, but sealing efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The plug seal is made of resilient material that acts as a flexible element, distributing compression forces uniformly across its surface and through-holes. The sliding jacket applies radial compression that is evenly distributed through the flexible plug material, ensuring high sealing efficiency without complex force distribution mechanisms.
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 assembly provides reliable, high-pressure sealing with efficient force distribution and minimizes assembly time, ensuring optimal reliability and ease of operation by eliminating the need for external tools and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding jacket is pushed by the pusher, which is actuated by means of the closing cap, towards the plug seal compressing it towards its own center
Implementation Method 2
the plug seal is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, with the required through-holes for the passage of long objects through them
Data Source
AI summary
An isolating seal assembly and method for hermetically isolating two areas with different atmospheres, wherein the isolation is total or partial in order to allow for the passage of circular elements, such as energy cables, data or pipes that carry fluids, or to simply isolate the areas without any element passing through the device. Said assembly comprises: A plug seal, a sliding jacket, a receiver bushing, a closing cap, a pusher, an upper retainer, a lower retainer, and sealing rings, such as O-rings.