Hinged Cable Seal Assembly for Variable Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable seals face challenges in accommodating a wide range of cable diameters due to precise dimensional tolerances, which can lead to over-compression or inadequate sealing, and the insertion process can damage the seal, especially when dealing with varying cable sizes and terminal configurations.
Innovation Solution
A hinged cable seal assembly featuring a cylindrical seal with semi-cylindrical portions and a retainer shell configuration that allows for compression without pushing the cable through an aperture, utilizing deformable ribs for a wider diameter compatibility and reducing friction, and a co-molded compliant and rigid structure for enhanced sealing and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece seal retainer with a ring seal is used, then the sealing structure is simple, but it requires precise dimensional tolerances and cannot accommodate a wide range of cable diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The seal retainer is divided into two separate half-shells that can be assembled around the cable. This segmentation allows the seal to accommodate various cable diameters without requiring precise dimensional tolerances, as the two halves can be adjusted to fit different cable sizes while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a ring seal is compressed against a cable, then sealing is achieved, but large cable diameters cause over-compression and small cable diameters result in inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal retainer incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the compression force applied to the ring seal. This enables the seal to adapt to different cable diameters, providing appropriate compression for both large and small cables to ensure reliable sealing without over-compression or inadequate sealing.
3Ease of operation
If a cable is pushed through the ring seal, then cable insertion is achieved, but friction and over-compression cause seal damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the cable through the ring seal from one side, the two half-shells are assembled around the cable in an inverted sequence. The cable is first positioned, then the half-shells are closed around it, eliminating the need to force the cable through the seal and preventing friction-induced seal damage.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise dimensional tolerances are used, then sealing precision is improved, but the cable seal cannot accommodate varying cable sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The seal retainer design with two adjustable half-shells and a hinge mechanism provides universal applicability across a wide range of cable diameters. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for precise dimensional tolerances for each specific cable size, as the same seal structure can be adjusted to fit various cable dimensions while maintaining effective sealing.
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 reliable, water-resistant seal for a broader range of cable diameters, reduces the risk of seal damage during installation, and allows for easy maintenance by eliminating the need to push the cable through the seal, ensuring compatibility with various cable and terminal sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The seal retainer is configured to rotatably close to compress at least a portion of the first inner semi-cylindrical portion and the second inner semi-cylindrical portion between the seal retainer and a cable
Implementation Method 2
A co-molded compliant and rigid structure for enhanced sealing and structural support
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A cable seal assembly includes a cylindrical seal and a seal retainer. The cylindrical seal includes a first inner semi-cylindrical portion having a first cable engagement surface formed along an inner surface of the first inner semi-cylindrical portion. The cylindrical seal includes a second inner semi-cylindrical portion having a second cable engagement surface formed along an inner surface of the second inner semi-cylindrical portion. The seal retainer includes a first retainer half-shell associated with the first inner semi-cylindrical portion and a second retainer half-shell associated with the second inner semi-cylindrical portion. The seal retainer is configured to rotatably close to compress at least a portion of the first inner semi-cylindrical portion and the second inner semi-cylindrical portion between the seal retainer and a cable.