Twist-Sealed Cable Passage Element for Airtight Wall Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing solutions for cable assemblies through walls in housings for electrical and electronic devices are labor-intensive, require tools for installation, and do not provide adequate airtightness, leading to potential air leakage and damage to cables.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element comprising a first and second member coupled by a flexible sleeve, which can be twisted to form a sealed state around the cable assembly, allowing easy installation and adaptation to different cable diameters and amounts, while maintaining airtightness and protecting cables from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two sheet metal brackets with foam parts are used to seal around cables, then a seal can be created, but the solution is labor-intensive and requires tools for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into a first member and a second member that can be separately installed and then coupled together. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be installed in two simple steps without requiring tools, while still providing reliable sealing when the members are coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element transitions from an open state (first and second members disengaged) to a sealed state (members coupled together). This dynamic transformation allows the sealing element to adapt between installation/maintenance modes and operational sealing modes, providing both ease of operation and reliable sealing.
2Ease of operation
If a brush is used to seal around cables, then installation is simple, but airtightness is not achieved to the desired degree
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing member is provided between the first and second members that can deform to conform to the cable assembly. This flexible sealing member provides the necessary airtightness while allowing the sealing element to be installed without tools by simply coupling the two main members together.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing element is designed to accommodate different cable diameters and amounts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element's internal dimensions and configuration can be varied to accommodate different cable diameters and amounts. By changing geometric parameters of the first member, second member, and flexible sealing member, the sealing element adapts to different cable assemblies without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
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 sealing element provides a durable, airtight seal that withstands cable weight and environmental forces, maintaining conditioned air within housings and protecting cables, with a lifespan of at least 20 years, and can be easily installed from one side of the wall without requiring tools.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve (24) made of flexible material... the sleeve (24) to also twist and seal against the cable assembly (3) provided through the passage (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A sealing element 2 for sealing a passage for a cable assembly 3 through a wall 11c is described. The sealing element 2 has a first member 21 and a second member 22 mutually coupled by a sleeve 24 made of flexible material. The first and the second member, as well as the sleeve, are dividable to accept a longitudinal part of the cable assembly inside the periphery of the first and the second member, as well as the sleeve, and re-unitable to enclose said longitudinal part. The peripheral walls of the first and the second member are adapted to be engaged with each other in a sealed state, and the element may be switched between an open state, wherein the first member and the second member are disengaged and held at an axial distance from each other in an axial direction; and the sealed state which may be provided by twisting the first and/ or second member in the open state relative to each other around the axial direction causing the first and the second member to move towards each other and the sleeve to also twist and seal against the cable assembly provided through the passage, and by engaging the first and the second member with each other. A method for sealing a passage for a cable assembly thorough a wall is also described. The sealing element may advantageously be used in housing for accommodating devices such as electrical, electronic and optical devices.