Modular Cable Gland Assembly for Multi-Size Chassis Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connection systems for 5G electronic chassis face challenges in accommodating varying cable sizes, ensuring user-friendly assembly, and providing effective sealing against water and debris, particularly due to rigid rubber pieces and limited flexibility in cable gland configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable-gland system comprising individual cable glands with interchangeable components, featuring snap-fit connections, registration features, and O-rings for sealing, allowing for different internal diameters and easy assembly, which can be connected to form a flexible and adaptable sealing system for various cable sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rigid rubber pieces are used to form openings for cables, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks flexibility in accommodating different cable sizes and the sealing control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber piece is divided into multiple independent cable glands, each capable of accommodating a cable of a specific size. Each cable gland is a separate component with its own sealing mechanism, allowing the system to handle various cable diameters simultaneously or individually.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cable gland is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different cable sizes within a range. The cable gland includes an adjustable sealing mechanism that adapts to various cable diameters, making a single component type suitable for multiple cable sizes.
2Reliability
If screws are tightened to force the top cover and base together to seal the rubber pieces against cables, then the sealing force is sufficient, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable glands are pre-assembled with the rubber sealing pieces before the final assembly of the top cover and base. The cables are inserted through the cable glands, and the sealing mechanism is pre-positioned and pre-compressed, so that when the top cover and base are joined, the sealing is already in place without requiring additional adjustment or tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable gland assembly is merged with the rubber sealing piece as an integrated unit. The sealing function is combined with the cable guidance function, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing the number of assembly steps.
3Device complexity
If the printed circuit board is placed directly adjacent to the electronic cable gland, then the electrical connection is direct and simple, but the location of electrical components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cable connector is introduced as an intermediary between the electronic cable gland and the printed circuit board. This connector allows the printed circuit board to be positioned at a distance from the cable gland while maintaining reliable electrical connection, providing flexibility in component layout and 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 modular cable-gland system provides enhanced flexibility in accommodating different cable sizes, simplifies assembly, and ensures effective sealing against environmental factors, protecting internal components from water and debris while allowing for easy rearrangement and interchangeability.
Implementation Method 1
O-rings for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A cable-gland system provides a sealing function to openings in an electronic chassis that receive cables. The cable-gland system comprises a plurality of individual cable glands. Each of the plurality of individual cable glands includes an exterior end to be positioned adjacent an exterior of the chassis, and an interior end for positioning within the chassis. Each of the plurality of individual cable glands includes a through-hole extending between the exterior and interior ends for receiving one of the cables, and an outer surface between the exterior and interior ends. Each of the plurality of individual cable glands has a male projection on one side of the outer surface and a female recess on an opposing side of the outer surface. The cable glands are connectable to form the cable-gland system by mating the male projection on one cable gland with the female recess of an adjacent cable gland.