Multi-Cable Terminal Seal for Easy Access and Watertight Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-cable terminals face challenges in providing a balance between ease of use and component protection, particularly in managing signal distribution in electronic and fiber optic networks, where cable connections need to be easily accessible while maintaining a watertight seal.
Innovation Solution
A cable seal with a base and elastic material featuring bores and passages that compress to form a watertight seal, allowing for easy access and secure closure, and a cover that mates with the base to ensure a watertight seal between the cables, plugs, and enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal enclosure is made accessible for cable connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from environmental elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable seal is divided into separate functional components: a base with cable receiving bores, an elastic sealing material that can be compressed, and a cover that mates with the base. This segmentation allows the seal to be opened for cable access and closed for environmental protection independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material provides dynamic sealing capability - it can be compressed to allow cable insertion/removal and then returns to its original state to provide a watertight seal. The seal transitions between open and closed states based on operational needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cable seal structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material's physical properties (elasticity, compressibility) are leveraged to achieve reliable sealing without complex mechanical structures. The material parameters enable the seal to conform to cables and maintain watertight closure through compression alone.
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 enables easy installation and removal of cables while maintaining a watertight seal, protecting the terminal from environmental elements and ensuring reliable signal distribution in multi-cable terminals.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic material having a generally arched shape when the elastic material is not in a compressed configuration... the elastic material is configured to be compressed against the base such that when each of the bores contains a cable or plug and the elastic material is compressed a watertight seal is formed
Data Source
AI summary
Cable seals and related technology providing an optimized combination of ease-of-use and component protection when used in multi-cable terminals. When used in a multi-cable terminal, a cable seal of the technology allows for easy access to the interior of the multi-cable terminal when access is necessary, such as when cables need to be connected to the terminal or disconnected from the terminal, while readily sealing the terminal watertight when the seal is secured by the terminal enclosure.