Submersible Waste Macerator Sealing Sheath Cable Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sanitary grinders are rendered non-functional due to water and humidity ingress through the electric cable, which can occur during flooding or moisture exposure, affecting the lower chamber's operation.

Innovation Solution

A sealing sheath is placed around the electric cable, fixed to the flexible conduit, featuring a protection element that prevents water from entering and allows air passage, ensuring the control device remains functional even when submerged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electric cable is exposed without additional protection, then the device structure remains simple, but water and humidity can enter the lower chamber rendering the device non-functional

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcable protection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested protection structure where the sealing sheath is placed around the electric cable, which is already contained within the flexible conduit. This multi-layer nesting approach (cable inside conduit, conduit inside sealing sheath) provides progressive protection against water and humidity ingress while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible protective elements including the flexible conduit that surrounds the electric cable and the sealing sheath that envelops the cable's outer portion. These flexible shell structures provide waterproof protection while allowing for installation flexibility and cable movement without compromising the密封 integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the lower chamber is completely sealed to prevent water ingress, then device reliability improves, but air exchange between the lower chamber and exterior is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical system protectionVSAvoidair passage functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different sealing qualities to different locations: the sealing sheath provides complete waterproof sealing around the electric cable where electrical protection is critical, while the air passage in the partition wall provides selective airflow where gas exchange is needed. This local differentiation of sealing properties resolves the contradiction between protection and ventilation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the protection system into separate functional zones: the sealing sheath handles electrical cable protection and water ingress prevention, while the air passage handles ventilation independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, maintaining both reliability and air exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If moisture flows along the electric cable during flooding, then the cable remains accessible for power supply, but the lower chamber becomes non-functional

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessibilityVSAvoidlower chamber operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing sheath acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the external flooding environment and the electric cable. It intercepts and blocks water and humidity before they can travel along the cable into the lower chamber, while still allowing the cable to pass through and remain connected for power supply functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 sanitary grinder remains operational in wet conditions, as the sealing sheath prevents moisture from entering the electrical system while maintaining air exchange, ensuring the device's functionality and preventing damage to the lower chamber.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing sheath is placed around the outer portion of the electric cable, said sealing sheath comprising a first end fixed in leaktight manner to the second end of the flexible conduit and a second end comprising a protection element, said protection element being configured to prevent water from outside the tank from entering the sealing sheath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

said protection element being configured to prevent water from outside the tank from entering the sealing sheath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir passage:

Data Source

PatentEP3674492B1Submersible waste macerator
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SOC FR DASSAINISSEMENT SFA
  • EP3674492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3674492B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3674492B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a sanitary macerator comprising a tank and a control device for said sanitary macerator placed in said tank, said control device being electrically connected outside the tank, said sanitary macerator being characterized in that a sealing sheath (52) is placed around an external portion (50) of the electrical cable (42), said sealing sheath (52) comprising a first end fixed in a watertight manner to a fitting placed in a wall of the tank and a second end comprising a protective element (54), said protective element (54) being configured to prevent water from outside the tank from entering the sealing sheath (52).