Multi-Body Wire Seal for Vibration Dampening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire seals fail to provide effective sealing and mechanical stability in high-vibration environments and miniaturized applications, where they are required to prevent the transmission of mechanical forces to the terminal and conductor wire, while also ensuring secure positioning and reduced movement of the wire.

Innovation Solution

A seal comprising a first rigid partial body and two softer partial bodies made of similar materials, where the first partial body forms a base with the second partial body affixed non-removably and the third partial body positioned inside, providing a collar for dampening and contact with the conductor wire and connector housing, with axial regions and cuts for radial deformation to accommodate various wire sizes and prevent excessive movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single rigid material is used for the seal, then mechanical stability and wire holding function are improved, but sealing capability against the connector housing cavity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidsealing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into three distinct partial bodies: a first partial body made of rigid material for mechanical stability and wire holding, and second and third partial bodies made of softer material for sealing against the connector housing cavity and wire insulation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function with optimal material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the seal have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The first partial body (rigid) is positioned where mechanical strength is needed, while the second and third partial bodies (softer) are positioned where sealing contact is required, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a single soft material is used for the seal, then sealing capability is improved, but mechanical stability and wire holding function are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is segmented into rigid and soft material regions, with the first partial body providing mechanical stability and the second and third partial bodies providing sealing capability. This resolves the contradiction by distributing different material functions to different segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal uses a composite structure combining rigid material (first partial body) and softer material (second and third partial bodies) in a single integrated component, allowing simultaneous achievement of mechanical stability and sealing capability that neither material could provide alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If the seal is made as a single integrated part, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wire sizes and vibration dampening are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal structure complexityVSAvoidwire size accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is segmented into three partial bodies with different material properties, enabling adaptability to different wire sizes and vibration conditions while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure through co-molding or over-molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal incorporates variable material parameters (rigidity and softness) across different regions, allowing the same integrated structure to adapt to different wire diameters and vibration levels by selecting appropriate material combinations for each partial body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances sealing properties between the seal and both the connector housing and electrical conductor wire, providing mechanical fixation and stability, while allowing for radial deformation to accommodate different wire sizes and reducing vibration-induced damage.

Implementation Method 1

the second partial body and the third partial body both being made of a similar material which is softer as compared to the material making up the first partial body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first partial body is made of a material which is relatively more rigid as compared to the material making up the second partial body and the third partial body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rigidity:

Implementation Method 3

a collar for providing a dampening effect to the longitudinal object in the fully mounted position is formed contiguously with the second partial body and the third partial body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2999057B1Seal
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 TE CONNECTIVITY ITAL DISTRIBUTION SRL
  • EP2999057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2999057B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2999057B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a Seal (100, 500, 800) for sealing a longitudinal object (430, 730), such as an electrical conductor wire. The seal (100, 500, 800) has an axial cavity (130, 530, 830) for receiving the longitudinal object (430, 730). The axial cavity (130, 530, 830) is open on both axial ends for at least partially receiving through the longitudinal object (430, 730). The seal (100, 500, 800) comprises a first partial body (110, 510, 810), a second partial body (120, 520, 820) and a third partial body (210, 840, 940). The second partial body (120, 520, 820) and the third partial body (210, 840, 940) may be made of the same or similar material. The first partial body (110, 510, 810) may be made of a different material. The first partial body (110, 510, 810) may form a base onto which the second partial body (120, 520, 820) and/or the third partial body (210, 840, 940) is affixed in a non-removable manner. The second partial body (120, 520, 820) may be positioned outside the first partial body (110, 510, 810) in a radial direction. The third partial body (210, 840, 940) may be configured to be positioned inside the first partial body (110, 510, 810) along at least a part of the axial cavity (130, 530, 830). The second partial body (120, 520, 820) and the third partial body (210, 840, 940) may be contiguous, forming a single part.