Seal Structure with Segmented Protrusions for Curved Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal structures for long members, such as control cables, face inefficiencies when the cables curve due to protruding portions that do not conform to the cable's shape, leading to gaps and decreased seal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A seal structure featuring a cylindrical insertion portion with first and second protruding portions, where the first protruding portions are annular and have a smaller inner diameter than the cable, and the second protruding portions are annular with an inner diameter matching the cable's outer diameter, allowing easy insertion and maintaining seal efficiency even when the cable curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protruding portions are provided at the seal portion to facilitate insertion of control cables, then ease of operation is improved, but seal efficiency deteriorates when the control cable curves because gaps are generated between the cable and protruding portions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is segmented into multiple protruding portions (first and second types) with different diameters and functions. The first protruding portions have a smaller diameter to contact the cable surface for sealing, while the second protruding portions have a larger diameter to facilitate cable insertion. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal portion are given different local qualities through the first and second protruding portions. The first protruding portions are designed with a smaller diameter specifically for maintaining seal contact with the cable, while the second protruding portions are designed with a larger diameter specifically for aiding insertion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning specific functions to specific locations.
2Reliability
If the seal portion is designed to conform to the control cable shape, then seal efficiency is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates because the cable cannot be inserted easily
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is divided into first protruding portions that conform to the cable shape for sealing and second protruding portions that provide insertion assistance. This segmentation allows the seal portion to simultaneously achieve both conformality for sealing and ease of insertion without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portion incorporates local quality variations through differently sized protruding portions. The first protruding portions are locally optimized for seal contact with the cable surface, while the second protruding portions are locally optimized for insertion facilitation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between seal efficiency and ease of insertion.
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 described seal structure enables easy insertion of long members without compromising seal efficiency, ensuring effective sealing even when the member curves by utilizing the unique configuration of protruding portions to adapt to the cable's shape.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member including an insertion portion through which the long member is inserted and which comes into close contact with an outer periphery of the long member
Data Source
AI summary
A seal structure includes: a longitudinal member; and an elastic member having an insertion part into which the longitudinal member is inserted and which is brought into close contact with the outer circumference of the longitudinal member. The insertion part includes: a tubular part having openings on both ends; an insertion hole which is connected to both of the openings and through which the longitudinal member is inserted; and a seal part for sealing the longitudinal member in the inner wall of the insertion hole. The seal part has: first projections that can closely contact, in the circumferential direction, the longitudinal member inserted into the insertion hole; and second projections that can contact, on the outer circumference of the longitudinal member, the longitudinal member inserted into the insertion hole.