Cable connector systems and methods including same
View Patent ↗A cable connection assembly includes an electrically conductive cable, an electrically conductive connector, and a flowable sealant. The electrical cable includes a conductor. The connector includes a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis. The connector body defines a conductor cavity receiving the conductor of the electrical cable. The connector further includes a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body. The flowable sealant surrounds a portion of the connector body. The sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis.
1. A cable connection assembly comprising:
an electrical cable including a conductor;
an electrically conductive connector including:
a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis, the connector body defining a conductor cavity receiving the conductor of the electrical cable; and
a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body; and
a flowable sealant surrounding a portion of the connector body;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis;
wherein the sealant is flowable in service;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is ring-shaped; and
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is a resilient O-ring.
2. The cable connection assembly of claim 1 wherein the connector body includes an annular groove defined in the outer surface thereof, and the O-ring is seated in the groove.
3. The cable connection assembly of claim 1 wherein the O-ring is formed of an elastomeric material.
4. The cable connection assembly of claim 1 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic.
5. The cable connection assembly of claim 4 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic formed of nitrile rubber, epichlorhydrin rubber, or fluorinated rubber.
6. The cable connection assembly of claim 4 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic including an electrical stress relief material.
7. The cable connection assembly of claim 4 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic having a permittivity of at least about 7.
8. The cable connection assembly of claim 4 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic that is flowable in a service temperature range of from about −40° C. to 140° C.
9. The cable connection assembly of claim 4 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic having a viscosity in the range of from about 50 to 100 money units at 100° C.
10. A cable connector system kit for electrically and mechanically connecting an electrical cable, the cable connector system kit comprising an electrically conductive connector including:
a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis, the connector body defining a conductor cavity to receive a conductor of the electrical cable;
a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body; and
a flowable sealant adapted to be mounted on the outer surface of the connector body to surround a portion of the connector body;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis;
wherein the sealant is flowable in service;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is ring-shaped; and
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is a resilient O-ring.
11. The cable connector system kit of claim 10 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic.
12. A method for forming an electrical and mechanical connection with an electrical cable, the method comprising:
providing an electrically conductive connector including:
a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis, the connector body defining a conductor cavity to receive a conductor of the electrical cable; and
a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body; and
mounting a flowable sealant on the connector such that the flowable sealant surrounds a portion of the connector body;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis;
wherein the sealant is flowable in service;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is ring-shaped; and
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is a resilient O-ring.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the flowable sealant is a mastic.
14. A cable connection assembly comprising:
an electrical cable including a conductor;
an electrically conductive connector including:
a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis, the connector body defining a conductor cavity receiving the conductor of the electrical cable; and
a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body; and
a flowable sealant surrounding a portion of the connector body;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis;
wherein the sealant is flowable in service;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is ring-shaped; and
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is a rigid and monolithic with the connector body.
15. A cable connection assembly comprising:
an electrical cable including a conductor;
an electrically conductive connector including:
a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis, the connector body defining a conductor cavity receiving the conductor of the electrical cable; and
a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body; and
a flowable sealant surrounding a portion of the connector body;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis;
wherein the sealant is flowable in service;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is ring-shaped; and
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is rigid and formed of metal.
16. A cable connection assembly comprising:
an electrical cable including a conductor;
an electrically conductive connector including:
a connector body having an outer surface and a lengthwise connector axis, the connector body defining a conductor cavity receiving the conductor of the electrical cable; and
a sealant flow blocking wall on the connector body and extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the connector body; and
a flowable sealant surrounding a portion of the connector body;
wherein the sealant flow blocking wall is configured to inhibit flow of the sealant on the outer surface along the lengthwise connector axis;
wherein the sealant is flowable in service; and
wherein the sealant is only present on one axial side of the sealant flow blocking wall.