Hinged Cable Seal Structure for Broad Diameter Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable seals require precise dimensional tolerances and can be damaged during cable insertion due to friction, limiting their compatibility with a wide range of cable diameters and posing risks of over-compression or tearing.
Innovation Solution
A hinged cable seal assembly featuring a compliant cylindrical seal with deformable ribs and a rigid seal retainer, allowing the seal to be secured around the cable without inserting the cable through an aperture, thus reducing friction and accommodating various cable diameters through compression of the ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece seal retainer with a ring seal is used, then the seal structure is simple, but it requires precise dimensional tolerances and can only accommodate limited 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 by adjusting the compression force during assembly, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each half-shell can be independently manufactured and then joined together.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal retainer incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during assembly. The hinge enables the two half-shells to be positioned at an angle during cable insertion, then rotated to clamp down on the cable, providing adaptability to different cable diameters without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a cable is pushed through the ring seal, then the cable connection is established, but friction and over-compression can damage the seal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the cable through the seal from one side, the inverted approach has the two half-shells approach the cable from opposite directions and clamp down on it. The cable is placed between the half-shells, and the hinge mechanism rotates to compress the seal around the cable, eliminating the need for the cable to pass through an aperture and causing friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is positioned between the two half-shells before the final compression action. The half-shells are opened wide to allow easy placement of the cable and connector, then the hinge is actuated to rotate the half-shells into the closed position, compressing the seal around the cable in a controlled manner that avoids over-compression damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise dimensional tolerances are required, then the seal fits well for specific cable sizes, but it cannot accommodate a wider range of cable diameters
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seal retainer into two half-shells, the design allows for easier adjustment to accommodate different cable diameters. The segmentation enables the use of standard manufacturing tolerances while achieving good seal performance across a range of cable sizes through the clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism allows the compression force and gap between half-shells to be adjusted based on cable diameter. This parameter change capability enables the same seal structure to accommodate various cable sizes without requiring precision manufacturing for each specific size, as the compression can be optimized during assembly.
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 watertight seal for a broader range of cable diameters, reduces the risk of damage during installation, and allows for easy maintenance without damaging the seal, while maintaining structural integrity and sealing effectiveness.
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 hinged cable seal assembly featuring a compliant cylindrical seal with deformable ribs
Data Source
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.