Elastomeric Sealing Element with Claw Segment for Cable Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical devices face challenges in cost-effective and uncomplicated production with effective sealing and grounding, particularly in cast metal housings, where machining is required for conduit fittings and sealing elements.
Innovation Solution
The electrical device features a housing with a sealing element in a depression between the housing and lid, a curved groove for cable insertion, and claw segments for grounding, along with an elastomeric sealing element that provides tight sealing without machining, and a fan module with snap-on connections for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-type conduit fittings are inserted into machined surface sections of cast metal housing, then sealing can be achieved, but production becomes more complex and costly due to machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-formed with an integrated claw segment that will automatically engage with the cable shielding during cable insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-assembly grounding operations and complex machining of conduit fittings, while ensuring reliable sealing through the pre-configured elastic material arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing through its elastic material, establishes electrical grounding through the integrated claw segment, and guides cable insertion through its recess structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate conduit fittings and machining operations, reducing production complexity while maintaining sealing reliability
2Reliability
If machining is performed on housing surface sections for sealing, then tightness can be achieved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing approach changes from rigid mechanical contact requiring precise machined surfaces to elastic deformation of the sealing element material. The elastic material conforms to the housing surface through compression when the lid is closed, achieving tightness without requiring高精度 machined surfaces, thereby eliminating machining operations and improving production efficiency
3Reliability
If claw sections cut into cable shielding, then excellent grounding is achieved, but cable insertion force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curved groove geometry guides the cable in a sweeping motion during insertion, which gradually engages the claw segment with the cable shielding. This curved path distributes the cutting force over a longer insertion distance rather than requiring sudden high force, while still achieving effective cutting into the shielding for reliable grounding
4Reliability
If sealing element is pressed into depression by lid, then high protection rating is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented into functional zones: a recess for cable guidance, an elastic body for sealing, and a claw segment for grounding. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently while being integrated into a single replaceable component, simplifying assembly as the entire sealing assembly can be installed as one unit rather than multiple separate operations
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
This solution enables cost-effective production with excellent grounding and sealing, achieving high protection ratings like IP54, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of components, improving manufacturing efficiency and product reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element is made from elastic material in such a way that the material of the sealing element comes to lie against the surface sections when the lid exerts pressure on the sealing element and provides sealing as a result
Implementation Method 2
the housing having a claw segment, which hooks and/or cuts into the shielding of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device having a housing and a lid which may be placed on the housing. A sealing element is situated in a depression of the housing, in particular the wall of the housing, which is disposed between the housing and the lid. The sealing element has a recess for the feed-through of a cable. The cable is inserted into a curved groove of the housing, especially the wall of the housing. The housing has a claw segment, which hooks and/or cuts into into the shielding of the cable.