Through-Wall Piping Connector for IP65 Enclosure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems for electrical enclosures face challenges in maintaining a seal against fluid and dust entry, particularly at points where liquid cooling lines penetrate the enclosure, leading to potential leaks and degradation due to contact with fluids, and requiring costly and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A through-wall connector with a tubular body, external threaded section, and radial protrusions, secured by a threaded nut, provides a simple and leak-proof seal by engaging with the enclosure panel, ensuring an IP65 rating and easy installation through features like tri-clamp fittings and D-shaped apertures to maintain orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional liquid cooling lines are used to penetrate the enclosure, then liquid cooling functionality is achieved, but the seal against fluid and dust entry is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The through-wall connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a sealed body portion that penetrates the panel, an external threaded section for nut engagement, and internal connection interfaces for liquid cooling lines. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining overall seal integrity through the radial protrusion sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial protrusion acts as an intermediary sealing element between the connector body and the panel aperture. This protrusion creates a sealing interface that prevents fluid and dust entry while allowing the liquid cooling line to pass through, effectively mediating between the cooling functionality and the enclosure seal requirements.
2Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are used to prevent leaks, then seal reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radial protrusion provides self-sealing functionality by creating a mechanical interference fit with the panel aperture. When the threaded nut is tightened, the protrusion is pushed against the panel, automatically creating a seal without requiring additional gaskets, O-rings, or complex sealing assemblies. This self-service sealing mechanism reduces both device complexity and installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the mounting function of the through-wall connector. The radial protrusion that provides sealing is integrated into the same component structure that provides mechanical attachment to the panel, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If threaded nuts are used to secure the connector, then installation ease is improved, but potential for fluid entry through threads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threading function is extracted and placed entirely on the external portion of the connector, away from the sealed interior. The internal channel and connection interfaces remain sealed, while the external threaded section handles the mounting function. This separation ensures that fluid cannot access the threads through the sealed interior pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having internal threads that would require sealing the thread interface, the design inverts the threading arrangement by providing external threads on the connector body. This allows the nut to secure the connector from the external side, eliminating the need to seal internal thread interfaces and removing the risk of fluid entry through threaded connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A through-wall connector (100) includes a body (102) defining an outer surface, a first distal end (104), a second distal end (106), and an interior channel. A first connection interface is provided at the first distal end, the first connection interface defining a first opening (108). A second connection interface is provided at the second distal end, the second connection interface defining a second opening (110), the interior channel being defined between the first opening and the second opening. An external threaded section (124) is provided along the outer surface, the external threaded section being received through the aperture when the through-wall connector is installed in the panel. A radial protrusion extends outwardly from the outer surface. A threaded nut (125) sized to receive the threaded section, the threaded nut threadably engaging the external threaded section and contacting the first side of the panel when the through-wall connector is installed in the panel.