Shielded Electrical Line Assembly with Sealed Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arrangements for connecting multiple electrical lines with shields face challenges in maintaining a secure, moisture-tight seal, especially under high-voltage and mechanical stress conditions, due to complex production processes and material compatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically stable housing with a seal carrier and line seals, where the seal carrier has a cone for a tight fit and a housing seal to prevent moisture ingress, along with a filling cushion to eliminate the need for injection molding, ensuring the seals are not compromised by mechanical forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an injection molding process is used to produce the insulation element, then the seal against moisture is achieved, but the production becomes complex and the suitability depends on the jacket material type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal against moistureVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arrangement is divided into separate functional components: a housing for structural protection, a seal carrier with integrated seals for moisture protection, and a filling material for space occupation. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex injection molding while maintaining sealing effectiveness through modular assembly of standardized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If many components are sealed in the arrangement, then the connection of multiple electrical lines is achieved, but the tightness is adversely affected by vibrations and bends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection of multiple electrical linesVSAvoidtightness under mechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A filling material is introduced into the housing to occupy empty spaces and provide mechanical support. This cushioning effect protects the sealed components from vibrations and bends by distributing mechanical stresses uniformly, preventing seal degradation while maintaining the ability to connect multiple electrical lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the seals are exposed to mechanical forces, then the connection of lines is achieved, but the sealing function is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection of linesVSAvoidsealing function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal carrier serves as an intermediary component between the housing and the electrical line connections. It carries the seals in a protected position and transmits mechanical forces to the housing structure rather than directly to the seals, thereby maintaining sealing effectiveness while enabling line connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If a cone is added to the seal carrier for a tight fit, then the play-free assembly is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetight and play-free fitVSAvoidseal carrier structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A conical geometry is applied to the seal carrier to achieve a tight, play-free fit within the housing. The tapered shape provides self-centering and progressive engagement during assembly, ensuring precise positioning and eliminating gaps without requiring complex additional features or adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3451463B1Assembly for connection of electrical lines
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 NEXANS SA
  • EP3451463B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3451463B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3451463B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An arrangement for the electrically conductive connection of several electrical conductors, which are provided with an electrically conductive shield, is proposed. The conductors of the conductors are electrically connected to one another in the region of a connection point (V). The arrangement comprises a housing (302) made of insulating material that completely encloses the connection point (V). The arrangement has at least one seal (304A, 304B) in the region of the conductors (301A-301D), which enables improved sealing of the housing.