Perforated Cable Sealing Module for Flexible Grounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing modules for grounding shielded or armored cables and pipes in high-power applications and hazardous environments often fail to provide efficient electrical and mechanical properties, leading to inadequate grounding and potential interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A sealing module comprising a compressible body with a conductor featuring through apertures arranged in longitudinal rows, made of expanded or perforated metal, which forms a conductive path from the cable or pipe to the outer surface, providing efficient grounding and sealing properties while being flexible and adaptable to the shape of the cable or pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid conductor is used for grounding cables or pipes, then electrical conductivity is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different cable shapes are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a perforated conductor plate with multiple through-apertures instead of a solid conductor. This porous structure provides sufficient electrical conductivity for grounding while allowing the plate to flex and adapt to different cable shapes and sizes. The apertures reduce material usage and increase flexibility without compromising the grounding function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a perforated conductor is used to improve flexibility, then adaptability to cable shapes is improved, but electrical conductivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor plate features apertures of specific sizes and distributions tailored to the application requirements. The local quality of the perforated structure is optimized to provide adequate conductivity in critical areas while maintaining flexibility. The aperture pattern is designed to balance electrical performance with mechanical adaptability.
3Reliability
If a compressible body is used for sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but mechanical stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible body is pre-compressed during installation to achieve the desired sealing force. This preliminary action ensures that the sealing elements are already engaged with the cable or pipe, providing effective sealing from the outset. The conductor plate is also pre-positioned to establish initial electrical contact before final tightening.
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 ensures effective electrical conductivity and mechanical stability, allowing for efficient current diversion and improved assembly and sealing, while being easy to produce and cost-effective, with apertures designed to guide electricity in the desired direction and adapt to various cable diameters.
Implementation Method 1
the conductor electrically contacts the cable or pipe received in the groove and forms a conductive path to the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
a sealing module comprising at least one compressible body and a conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing module for a cable or a pipe, comprising at least one compressible body and a conductor. The conductor is arranged to extend from the groove to the outer surface, such that the conductor electrically contacts the cable or pipe received in the groove and forms a conductive path to the outer surface. The conductor comprises a plurality of through apertures and conducting portions surrounding the apertures, wherein the apertures are arranged in longitudinal rows along the conductor, and wherein the apertures are displaced in the longitudinal direction in relation to the apertures of adjacent rows of apertures. Disclosed is also a transit system comprising one or more sealing modules. Methods of manufacturing the sealing module is also disclosed together with the use of an expanded metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet as a conductor in a sealing module.