Multi-Seal Cable Gland Structure for Leak-Resistant Cable Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable glands suffer from leakage due to loose clamps, under/over tightening, and cold flow issues, which compromise the seal integrity, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A single sealing body that provides multiple seals between the entry, middle, and back components, utilizing a resilient material that can stretch and roll over these components to accommodate varying cable diameters, ensuring comprehensive sealing without separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate seals are used to seal different locations, then sealing coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate seal components into a single integrated sealing body that can seal multiple locations simultaneously. The sealing body includes a first seal portion for sealing between the first and second components, and a second seal portion for sealing between the second and third components, all as part of one unified component rather than separate pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body is designed to perform multiple sealing functions at different locations within the same component. It provides sealing between component interfaces (first-second, second-third) and also seals around the cable passing through the second component, making a single component serve multiple protective roles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid seal structure is used, then seal position stability is improved, but adaptability to cable diameter variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing body made from elastomeric or resilient material that can deform to accommodate different cable diameters while maintaining stable sealing positions. The flexibility allows the seal to conform to varying cable sizes without compromising its ability to seal at defined locations between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body's physical parameters (shape, volume, density) are designed to allow controlled deformation within specific ranges. This enables the seal to adapt its form factor to match different cable diameters while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to provide reliable sealing at its designated positions.
3Force
If the clamp is tightened to improve cable grip, then clamping force is improved, but seal integrity deteriorates due to over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the cable clamping function from the sealing function into distinct components. The clamp structure provides cable grip independently, while the sealing body provides sealing independently. This segmentation allows the clamp to be tightened to adequate levels for cable security without necessarily over-tightening to the point of compromising seal integrity, as the sealing capability is not directly coupled to clamp force.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient sealing body acts as a cushioning element that can absorb excess mechanical stress from clamp tightening. When the clamp is tightened, any over-compression is absorbed by the compliant seal material, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the seal interface and maintaining seal integrity even under varying clamp tensions.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate seal components are used for each interface, then seal precision at each location is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate seal components into a single integrated sealing body that can be installed as one piece. This sealing body incorporates multiple seal portions designed to seal at different interfaces simultaneously, reducing the number of assembly steps and simplifying installation while maintaining precise sealing at each location through the integrated design.
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 reliability by simplifying installation, accommodating cable diameter variations, and preventing liquid pooling, thereby improving ingress protection and reducing the risk of leakage.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a resilient material that can stretch and roll over these components to accommodate varying cable diameters
Data Source
AI summary
A cable gland (1) comprising: an entry component (2) sized to fit through an orifice in a surface and having a flange (11) arranged to bear against the surface around the orifice; a middle component (3) in threaded engagement with the entry component (2); and a back component (4) in threaded engagement with the middle component (3), the cable gland (1) defining a through bore (5) for a cable through the entry component (2), the middle component (3) and the back component (4); the cable gland (1) further comprising a sealing body (6) which is arranged to provide a seal in at least two positions from the group comprising: between the surface and the flange (11) of the entry component (2) (typically acting as a ingress protection washer); between the cable and the back component (4) (typically acting as an ingress protection seal); between the back component (4) and the middle component (3) (typically acting as a shroud); and between the middle component (3) and the entry component (2) (typically acting as a deluge boot).