Segmented Cold Shrink Core for Easier Cable Splice Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support core designs for cold shrink rubber in electrical distribution systems are inefficient due to long core lengths requiring repetitive motion, leading to time consumption and potential repetitive motion injuries, and often fail to form a moisture seal without additional mastic, which can be misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A support core system featuring two solid cores with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, where one core is shorter and easier to remove, assisted by the shrinking rubber, and the other longer core is removed with less force, with the PET film providing a low friction surface and mastic trapped between the rubber and cable for a waterproof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long support core is used to hold cold shrink rubber, then the rubber can be properly supported in expanded state, but removal requires repetitive motion leading to time consumption and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The support core system divides the long core into two separate solid cores of different lengths. The first solid core is shorter and easier to remove, while the second solid core is longer and remains in place. This segmentation allows the operator to remove only the necessary portion without repetitive motion, resolving the contradiction between adequate support length and removal time.
2Length of moving object
If a long support core is used to hold cold shrink rubber, then the rubber can be properly supported in expanded state, but the removal process may cause repetitive motion injuries
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support core into two distinct solid cores, the system allows removal of only the first (shorter) core while leaving the second (longer) core in place. This eliminates the need for repetitive pulling motions that cause operator injury, while still maintaining adequate support for the cold shrink rubber during the deployment process.
3Reliability
If traditional support core design is used, then the cold shrink rubber can be held expanded, but moisture seal cannot be formed without additional mastic
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the support core function with the sealing function by integrating mastic application into the cold shrink rubber deployment process. The mastic is applied to the cable before the cold shrink rubber is installed, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable moisture seal formation.
4Reliability
If mastic is applied separately for sealing, then waterproof seal can be formed, but the mastic can be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The mastic is applied to the cable in advance, before the cold shrink rubber is installed over it. This preliminary action ensures the mastic is properly positioned and cannot be misplaced during the sealing process. The cold shrink rubber then encapsulates the mastic, guaranteeing both waterproof sealing and precise placement without requiring additional sealing steps.
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 system simplifies the deployment of cold shrink rubber by reducing the force needed to remove the core and ensures a reliable waterproof seal without the need for additional mastic, enhancing user safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Removal of the support core causes the elastic end to bear down upon the end of the cable
Implementation Method 2
The PET film is positioned between the cold shrink rubber and each of the first solid core and the second solid core
Data Source
AI summary
A support core system for deploying a cold shrink rubber over a cable splice connection in an electrical distribution system. The support core system includes a first solid core, a second solid core, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The first solid core is configured to fit over a cable in the electrical distribution system and hold a first portion of the cold shrink rubber in an expanded state. The cable includes the cable splice connection. The second solid core is configured to fit over the cable and hold a second portion of the cold shrink rubber in an expanded state. The PET film is positioned between the cold shrink rubber and each of the first solid core and the second solid core.