Modular Cable Sealing Unit With Unified Pressure Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable sealing technologies in telecommunications systems are not efficiently adaptable to accommodate cables of different sizes and shapes, often requiring separate actuation arrangements for each sealing module and using excessive sealant, which can lead to inadequate sealing due to cable surface inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-actuated cable sealing unit with independently removable and installable sealing modules, utilizing a unified actuation arrangement to pressurize all modules simultaneously, with varying axial and peripheral gel sealing lengths to ensure effective sealing across different cable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuation arrangements are used for each sealing module, then each module can be independently pressurized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing modules into a single integrated actuation system where one actuator pressurizes all modules simultaneously through a shared pressurization chamber. This merging approach maintains sealing effectiveness while reducing device complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different numbers and configurations of sealing modules. The single actuator can pressurize any number of modules installed in the sealing unit, providing adaptability without requiring module-specific actuation arrangements.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform gel sealing length is used in all sealing modules, then manufacturing is simplified, but adequate sealing cannot be ensured for cables with surface inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different gel sealing lengths in different regions of the sealing modules. The inner axial sealing surfaces have longer gel sealing lengths to accommodate cable surface inconsistencies, while peripheral sealing surfaces have shorter lengths. This localized differentiation ensures adequate sealing reliability without unnecessarily complicating manufacturing.
3Reliability
If excessive sealant is used in sealing modules, then sealing coverage is improved, but the amount of sealant required increases cost and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating longer gel sealing lengths only where needed—at the inner axial cable contact surfaces—while using shorter sealing lengths at peripheral surfaces. This targeted approach ensures adequate sealing coverage with minimal sealant quantity, improving efficiency and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by providing extended gel sealing length only in the specific region where cable surface inconsistencies occur (inner axial surfaces), rather than uniformly throughout all sealing surfaces. This partial application of excessive sealing length achieves the necessary sealing coverage without the waste of using excessive sealant everywhere.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing unit is designed to accommodate different cable sizes and shapes, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single sealing unit with multiple sealing modules that can accommodate different numbers, sizes, and configurations of cables. The modular design with a unified actuation system allows the same basic structure to adapt to various cable scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration or multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the sealing unit into multiple independently installable and removable sealing modules. This modular segmentation allows flexible configuration to match different cable arrangements while maintaining a simple overall structure, as modules can be added or removed based on specific cable requirements.
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 allows for cost-effective and efficient sealing of cables with different sizes and shapes, providing a reliable seal while minimizing the amount of sealant used, thus enhancing the adaptability and durability of the sealing unit.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation arrangement that can have an inner and outer axial pressurization structures between which the sealant ring may be axially pressurized
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may include a threaded shaft and a handle assembly that threads on the threaded shaft to press the inner and outer pressurization structures together
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing unit (28) that fits within the sealing unit opening (26) of a housing 22. The sealing unit (28) including a sealant arrangement (32) that define a plurality of cable ports (30). The sealing arrangement is also configured for providing a peripheral seal between the housing (22) and the sealing unit (28). The sealing unit (28) includes an actuation arrangement (31) for pressurizing the sealant arrangement (32) within the sealing unit opening (26). The sealant arrangement (32) includes a plurality of sealing modules (33a-33e) each sized to form only a portion of the pressure actuated sealant arrangement (32).