Waterproof Cable Reel Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable drums lack sufficient water tightness, particularly in conditions of temporary submersion, limiting their use in certain applications and environments.
Innovation Solution
The cable drum is sealed by incorporating a first annular groove around the hub, an O-ring seal in a radially inner groove, and a pot-shaped cover cap that clamps the O-ring seal, creating a water-pressure-tight seal between the cable spool and the bearing journal, with additional water-tight sockets and connections to achieve IP67 protection class.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable drum is designed with a simple open structure for easy access and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but water tightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an O-ring seal (flexible membrane) that is clamped between the cover cap and the groove flank to create a water-pressure-tight seal. This flexible sealing element allows the drum to maintain water tightness while preserving operational accessibility, as the seal can accommodate the rotating hub while preventing water ingress.
2Reliability
If the cable drum is sealed to prevent water ingress, then water tightness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the O-ring seal itself, the cover cap that provides clamping force, and the groove structure that positions the seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates assembly and maintenance, reducing overall system complexity despite achieving IP67 protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring seal acts as an intermediary element between the rotating hub and the stationary cover cap. This intermediary component absorbs the complexity of creating a dynamic seal, allowing the main drum structure to remain relatively simple while achieving water pressure tightness through the specialized sealing mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a small annular space is maintained between the hub and bearing journal for rotational movement, then ease of operation is improved, but water tightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring seal serves as a flexible barrier that spans the small annular space between the hub and bearing journal. This flexible membrane allows rotational movement to occur while maintaining water pressure tightness, as the seal can deform with the rotation while preventing water ingress through the gap.
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 ensures the cable drum is water-pressure-tight, enabling its use in adverse conditions, including temporary underwater applications, by preventing pressurized water ingress through the small annular space between the hub and bearing journal, thus achieving protection class IP67.
Implementation Method 1
A second annular groove, in which an O-ring seal is arranged, is provided on a radially inner groove flank of the first annular groove. A cover cap is additionally provided, which is pushed into the first ring groove in such a way that the O-ring seal is clamped between the cover cap and the inner groove flank and thereby seals off the technical space.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cable drum (1) with a support frame (2) having at least two feet (3), a carrying handle (4), and a bearing pin (5) on which a cable reel (6) with a hub (7) is rotatably mounted, wherein the cable reel (6) has a technical compartment (8) which is closed by a cover (10) having at least one socket (9). According to the invention, it is provided that: - the technical compartment (8) is sealed against pressure water from the bearing pin (7) and from the cover (10), - the at least one socket (9) and a plug (17) on a cable (18) connecting them are designed to be pressure watertight.