Leak-Tight Cable Pass-Through into Hostile Environment (Oil, Temperature, Vibration) Such as Inside Engine or Gear Box 2012-01-0923

In recent years, more and more electric components like sensors or actuators are being positioned in hostile environments like those of commercial trucks. Next to the underbody area there are additional application zones such as the braking, the interior of the engine, or the gear box. Often the connection of the electric components to the wiring harness is created by an expensive header connector; usually it is placed at the interface point between the adverse area and the standard environment, or within the adverse area itself. An alternative solution is to guide the leads through by using an overmolded and leak-tight pass-through. This has many advantages, but requires a high level of knowledge of the behavior and interaction of all involved materials. New developments often indicate increasing operation temperatures in combination with advanced aggressive media such as engine or gear box oil, Adblue®, or break fluid. At the design state many influences and material property changes in usage have to be taken into account to generate a feasible solution. The advantages and limitations of this technology will be discussed, as well as proven existing solutions and the latest developments.