Seal Assembly for Threaded Interface Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable connectors face challenges in sealing irregularly shaped interface ports, such as those with threaded surfaces, leading to environmental element penetration and communication issues due to the difficulty in achieving a reliable seal.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly comprising a compliant ring with arcuate segments and retainers that deform to engage the irregular surface of the interface port, creating an environmental seal when an axial force is applied by a coaxial cable connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional seal is used on an irregular threaded interface port, then the sealing structure is simple, but the seal reliability deteriorates because the seal cannot conform to the irregular surface
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can independently deform and conform to the irregular threaded surface of the interface port. Each segment acts as an independent sealing element that can adapt to the complex geometry, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring a complex overall seal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal segments are made from elastomeric material that changes its physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to axial compression force. When compressed, the segments deform radially outward to conform to the irregular surface, transforming from a simple circular seal to a complex conforming seal that matches the threaded port geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid seal is used on an irregular interface port, then the seal structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates because the rigid seal cannot conform to the irregular surface
Solution Approach 1:
The seal segments are constructed from flexible elastomeric material that can deform and adapt to the irregular threaded surface of the interface port. This flexibility allows the seal to conform to complex geometries while maintaining a relatively simple overall seal structure consisting of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static circular configuration to a dynamic conforming configuration when axial compression is applied. The elastomeric segments dynamically deform and redistribute material to match the irregular surface profile, enabling adaptability without requiring a pre-formed complex structure.
3Reliability
If the seal segments are made from hard material, then the structural strength is high, but the sealing performance deteriorates because the hard material cannot deform to conform to the irregular surface
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal segments change their physical parameters under compression - they deform radially outward to conform to the irregular surface while maintaining structural integrity. The material properties are optimized to provide sufficient strength to withstand operating conditions while allowing the necessary deformation for conforming sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal segments are made from elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility (for conforming to irregular surfaces) with adequate structural strength (to maintain seal integrity under operating conditions). This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between hardness/strength and deformability/sealing performance.
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 seal assembly effectively prevents environmental elements from penetrating the connector, ensuring reliable communication by forming a secure seal on irregularly shaped interface ports, including threaded surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient seal is deformable and comprises at least one flexible segment defining an opening having a dimension. In response to an axial load imposed by a coupling device of a coaxial cable connector, the dimension of the opening decreases. As the opening decreases, at least one flexible segment engages a spiral thread of the interface port to effect an environmental seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly/adaptor for sealing a weather protection boot to an irregular shaped interface port such as a port having externally facing threads. The seal assembly/adaptor includes a seal subassembly comprising a compliant ring having plurality of arcuate segments defining an opening for accepting the interface port. Further, the seal assembly/adaptor includes at least one retainer operative to retain the seal subassembly such that, upon assembly, an axial force imparted by a connector coupling device effects radial deformation of at least one of the flexible segments into the irregular surface of the interface port to effect a seal between the irregular surface and the retainer.