Push-Pull Connector Sealing with Movable Pressure Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors, particularly push-pull connectors, fail to provide adequate protection against liquids and dust, as their sealing mechanisms are not effective enough to meet protection standards such as IP67, IP68, and IP69K due to small contact surfaces and potential channel formation when the cable is moved, allowing penetration of liquids and dust.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull connector design featuring a grommet and a first sealing element with movable pressure elements that can be moved into a fastening position to press the sealing element against the cable, forming a large sealing surface that prevents liquids and dust from entering, along with a second sealing element between the cable bushing and housing for additional protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing element is squeezed by the housing part relative to the cable with small contact surface, then the sealing structure is simple, but reliable sealing against liquids and dust is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with an elongated cylindrical shape extending along the cable axis, transforming the sealing approach from a single-point contact to a multi-point distributed contact along the length of the cable. This dimensional extension creates multiple sealing zones that collectively provide reliable sealing without requiring excessive compression force or complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is divided into multiple functional zones along its length: a first sealing portion that seals between the cable and housing part, and a second sealing portion that seals between the cable and cable bushing. This segmentation allows each portion to independently perform its sealing function, ensuring reliable sealing even if one portion is compromised.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is moved relative to the connector, then the connector is flexible and adaptable, but channels are formed between the sealing element and cable allowing liquid and dust penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is made of elastomeric material with specific physical properties (hardness between 40 and 90 Shore A) that allow it to dynamically adapt its deformation characteristics. When the cable moves, the material's elastic properties enable it to maintain continuous contact and seal integrity without forming channels, while still accommodating the movement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is constructed from elastomeric material that forms a flexible yet continuous sealing barrier. This flexible membrane-like structure can deform with cable movement while maintaining its integrity, preventing liquid and dust penetration even during dynamic operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single sealing element is used between cable and housing, then the device complexity is low, but the protection against liquids and dust is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two distinct sealing portions within a single sealing element: the first sealing portion positioned between the cable and housing part, and the second sealing portion positioned between the cable and cable bushing. This segmentation provides multi-level protection without requiring multiple separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sealing element performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously: it seals the interface between cable and housing part, and also seals the interface between cable and cable bushing. This multi-functional design provides enhanced protection while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sealing components.
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 design ensures a dust-tight and liquid-tight seal by forming a large sealing surface and utilizing a second sealing element to enhance protection, effectively preventing penetration of liquids and dust, thus meeting higher protection standards.
Implementation Method 1
movable pressure elements which can be moved into a fastening position in which the first sealing element is pressed by the plurality of pressure elements onto the cable end
Implementation Method 2
a second sealing element which is arranged between the cable bushing and the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
One aspect relates to a connector (100), in particular a push-pull connector, comprising: - a cable gland (10) for receiving a cable end (200); and - a first sealing element (20), which is arranged at least partially between the cable end (200) and the cable gland (10), wherein a plurality of pressure elements (11) movable relative to the cable end (200) are arranged on the cable gland (10), which are movable into a fixing position in which the first sealing element (20) is pressed against the cable end (200) by the plurality of pressure elements (11).