Submarine Cable Joint Box With Armored Layer Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submarine cable splicing boxes are prone to continuous discharge of induced current, which can cause malfunctions in the optical unit.

Innovation Solution

A submarine cable splicing box with a reinforcement assembly and sealing assembly that clamps the armored metal layer of the submarine cable, allowing for electrical connection and grounding of induced current, thereby preventing accumulation and protecting the optical unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the submarine cable splicing box uses a conventional structure without armored layer clamping, then the installation is simpler, but induced current accumulates and causes optical unit malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical unit operation stabilityVSAvoidsplicing box structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement assembly is divided into multiple components: fixing base, first connecting sleeve, and second connecting sleeve. Each component performs a specific function in clamping the armored layer, allowing the complex grounding function to be achieved through modular, manageable segments rather than a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armored layer itself serves as an intermediary conductor between the submarine cable and the grounding system. By clamping the armored layer between the first and second connecting sleeves, the patent uses this existing metal layer as a natural grounding path, eliminating the need for separate grounding wires or complex electrical connection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the submarine cable splicing box includes reinforcement assembly to clamp armored layer, then induced current can be grounded, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduced current discharge controlVSAvoidsplicing box assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical reinforcement for the cable entry, creates a sealed gap for waterproofing, and establishes electrical grounding through armored layer clamping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity despite adding grounding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the grounding function with the existing mechanical reinforcement structure. The fixing base and connecting sleeves that provide structural support also serve as the grounding mechanism by clamping the armored layer, merging two functions into a single integrated assembly rather than adding separate grounding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gap between connecting sleeves is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot adapt to different cable armored layer thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmored layer clamping adaptabilityVSAvoidgap adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gap between the first and second connecting sleeves is made adjustable rather than fixed. The threaded connector allows the distance between the two sleeves to be dynamically adjusted to match different armored layer thicknesses, providing adaptability without requiring completely different structures for each cable type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The key parameter of the gap width between connecting sleeves is made variable through the threaded connector mechanism. By changing this dimensional parameter, the system can accommodate different armored layer thicknesses while maintaining the same basic structural design, avoiding the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If sealing assembly is added between reinforcement assembly and submarine cable, then waterproofing is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidsplicing box assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the reinforcement assembly structure. The sealing members are integrated into the gap between the first and second connecting sleeves, where they simultaneously provide both mechanical clamping of the armored layer and waterproof sealing, rather than adding a completely separate sealing subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible sealing members (such as rubber or elastomeric materials) that can deform to conform to the cable surface and fill irregularities in the gap. This flexible sealing approach achieves effective waterproofing with simple, thin sealing components rather than complex rigid sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution effectively grounds induced current, protecting the optical unit and enhancing the connection strength of the splice place, preventing malfunctions and slip-off.

Implementation Method 1

a gap with adjustable width is formed between the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve so that an armored layer of the submarine cable is clamped through the gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the sealing assembly is arranged between the reinforcement assembly and the submarine cable, and the sealing assembly is configured to seal a gap between the reinforcement assembly and the submarine cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

clamping the armored metal layer of the submarine cable, allowing for electrical connection and grounding of induced current, thereby preventing accumulation and protecting the optical unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4683145A1Submarine cable joint box
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ZHONGTIAN TECH MARINE SYST CO LTD
  • EP4683145A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4683145A1 patent drawing
  • EP4683145A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present utility model provides a submarine cable splicing box. The submarine cable splicing box provided by the present utility model includes a splicing box body, a reinforcement assembly and a sealing assembly. The reinforcement assembly is arranged on opposite sides of the splicing box body, and includes a fixing base, a first connecting sleeve and a second connecting sleeve; the fixing base is fixedly connected to one side of the splicing box body, the first connecting sleeve is connected to the fixing base, the fixing base has a first mounting hole, and the first connecting sleeve has a second mounting hole; the first mounting hole is communicated with the inside of the splicing box body, and the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are communicated with each other and form a channel for the cable core of a submarine cable to penetrate into the splicing box body; the second connecting sleeve is sleeved outside the first connecting sleeve, and one end of the second connecting sleeve is connected to the fixing base, and a gap with adjustable width is formed between the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve. The present utility model provides a submarine cable splicing box, which can prevent the occurrence of continuous discharge of induced current and protect an optical unit.