Segmented Gel Sealing Structure for Selective Cable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gel sealing devices in telecommunications technology require frequent access for cable installation, which exposes existing cables to damage and complicates the process, as they lack efficient mechanisms for separate cable access without affecting sealed cables.
Innovation Solution
A gel sealing device with a detachable gel outer ring, comprising multiple circumferential segments that can be released and reassembled to create separate accessible sealing sections, allowing for the insertion or removal of cables without disturbing the remaining cables, using a highly viscous gel material that conforms to the surrounding surfaces for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gel sealing device uses a single integrated sealing section, then the sealing is simple and compact, but accessing the sealing section exposes all cables and requires careful handling of all cables during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The gel outer ring is divided into multiple circumferential segments (first circumferential segment and at least one second circumferential segment) that can be detachably connected. This segmentation allows the sealing section to be accessed by detaching only the necessary segment, rather than requiring access to the entire sealing section, thereby improving cable access properties while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gel sealing device requires frequent access for cable installation, then cable installation flexibility is improved, but existing cables are exposed to damage and installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the gel outer ring into detachable circumferential segments, the system allows selective access to specific sealing sections. This enables cable installation flexibility by allowing access to individual segments without disturbing other segments, while simultaneously improving cable protection by keeping non-accessed cables sealed and protected within their respective segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable segments provide local access capability, meaning that only the specific area requiring cable installation needs to be opened. This local quality approach allows installation flexibility at the needed location while maintaining protection and stability in other areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Productivity
If all cables are exposed during sealing section access, then installation of new cables is possible, but attention and care required for all cables increases installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable circumferential segments enable isolation of the specific sealing area requiring access. When installing new cables, only the relevant segment needs to be detached, exposing only the necessary cables for installation. This segmentation approach improves productivity by reducing the number of cables requiring attention during installation, while the modular segment design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
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 design enhances cable access properties by allowing for faster and safer installation of additional cables without damaging existing ones, as the separate sealing sections can be handled independently, reducing the need for attention to cables not being accessed.
Implementation Method 1
This gel sealing material is a highly viscous liquid which can be regarded as a pseudo plastic or non-Newtonian fluid... the gel sealing material has the capability of being deformable to adopt as a negative pattern, the contours of the surfaces of the parts surrounding the gel sealing material
Implementation Method 2
the gel sealing material will flow and will be pressed towards the contact surfaces provided with the housing for the gel sealing material by exerting a predetermined pressure onto said gel sealing material, wherein a sealing is obtained therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A gel sealing device includes a gel sealing block (5) which provides a sealing section (22) through which the elongate parts (13, 14) extend. The gel sealing block (5) includes an upper flange (11) and a lower flange (12) with a support section (11a, 12a, 12b) disposed therebetween. The upper and lower flanges (11, 12) sandwiches, in direction of extension of the elongate parts (13, 14), a gel inner ring (7) supported by said support section (2) and a gel outer ring (6, 10a) covering the gel inner ring (7) in a radial direction extending transverse to said extension direction. The gel inner ring (7) and the gel outer ring (6, 10a) are made of a gel sealing material.