Exterior Member of Electrical Wire with Breathable Vent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior members for electrical wires face deterioration in waterproof performance due to internal pressure changes caused by heat radiation, leading to deformation and potential damage, especially when a pressure adjustment mechanism is used near electrical contact points, which can result in dew condensation and compromised sealing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first tubular body made of a hard material like polypropylene or polyamide resin with a vent portion that is impermeable to moisture but permeable to air, and a second tubular body that is more flexible, allowing it to deform before the first tubular body, thus preventing waterproof performance deterioration. The vent portion is strategically placed on the first tubular body, avoiding electrical contacts and reducing the risk of dew condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure adjustment mechanism is provided to a waterproof cover made of soft material to counteract deformation from internal pressure changes, then the waterproofness is improved, but dew condensation occurs inside the cover due to moisture in outside air introduced through the pressure adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a porous waterproof cover that allows air permeation while blocking moisture penetration. The porous structure enables breathability to prevent dew condensation while maintaining waterproof properties through the specific pore size and material characteristics that block liquid water but allow vapor transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a hard first tubular body (resin or metal) with a soft second waterproof cover (elastomer or rubber). This composite design allows the hard body to maintain structural integrity and the soft cover to provide flexible waterproofing and pressure adjustment without introducing moisture through mechanical components.
2Reliability
If the sealing property of the exterior member is raised to improve waterproofness, then the waterproof performance is enhanced, but the flexible cover deforms and interferes with peripheral members when internal pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exterior member into two distinct parts: a hard first tubular body for structural support and pressure resistance, and a soft second waterproof cover for flexible waterproofing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without the drawbacks of a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the exterior member. The first tubular body uses hard material (resin or metal) for structural stability, while the second waterproof cover uses soft material (elastomer or rubber) for flexible adaptation. This local differentiation of material qualities optimizes both waterproofing and deformation resistance.
3Reliability
If a resin cover is connected to a metal pipe to waterproof between the metal pipe and electrical component, then the waterproofness is maintained, but the cover may be damaged when internal pressure changes due to heat radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the waterproof cover from hard resin to soft elastomer/rubber, which provides better flexibility and resistance to pressure-induced damage. The soft material can elastically deform to accommodate pressure changes without cracking or breaking, maintaining waterproof integrity under varying thermal and pressure conditions.
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 configuration effectively maintains waterproof performance even with internal pressure changes due to heat radiation, preventing deformation-related issues and dew condensation, while improving productivity and convenience by allowing for better sealing and reduced thermal shrinkage.
Implementation Method 1
a vent portion which is impermeable to moisture and permeable to air
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior member of an electrical wire includes a first tubular body and a second tubular body. The first tubular body includes a hollow portion through which the electrical wire is inserted, an opening portion from which the electrical wire is drawn out, and a vent portion which is impermeable to moisture and permeable to air. The second tubular body is provided to extend from the first tubular body and to cover an outer periphery of the electrical wire drawn from the opening portion, and is made of a material more flexible than a material of the first tubular body.