Inflation tube bag for plugging gap

By designing a hollow rubber tube, the problem of easy leakage in bridge gaps was solved, achieving a sealing effect and remote monitoring, simplifying the maintenance process, and making it suitable for various engineering scenarios.

CN224119442UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14孙巍 +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
孙巍
Filing Date
2025-03-05
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Gaps that appear on bridges due to temperature changes and vehicle loads during long-term use are easily aged, damaged, and difficult to repair using traditional methods, and leaks cannot be detected in a timely manner.

Method used

It adopts a hollow rubber tube bladder, designed as a vertical ellipse, with air inflation valves at both ends, and is equipped with a pressure gauge and monitor. It achieves sealing and remote monitoring through an automatic air inflation pump, and can promptly detect and deal with leaks in gaps.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents rainwater and dust from entering the gaps, extends the life of the bridge, reduces vibration, improves driving comfort and safety, is easy to install, has low maintenance costs, and is suitable for projects such as bridges, tunnels, subways and airport runways.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to an inflation tube bag for gap plugging, which is characterized in that a hollow rubber tube bag is in a vertical oval shape when not inflated and is in a nearly round shape when inflated, tube bag sealing ends are arranged at two ends of the hollow rubber tube bag, tube bag inflation valves are connected onto the two sealing ends, and a pressure gauge and a monitor are mounted behind the tube bag inflation valves. And an automatic inflator pump is used for inflating. Installation and maintenance are convenient, and the maintenance cost is greatly reduced; the application range is very wide.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an inflatable tube bladder for sealing gaps, belonging to the field of engineering applications. Background Technology

[0002] Bridges, serving as vital links between riverbanks, bear the heavy responsibility of transportation. However, over long-term use, due to factors such as temperature changes and vehicle loads, gaps inevitably develop in bridges. If these gaps are not addressed promptly, they not only affect the bridge's aesthetics but also threaten its safety. In northern regions, bridge gaps frequently leak due to the winter-summer transition. Traditional methods for treating bridge gaps, such as asphalt filling and steel plate covering, have drawbacks including susceptibility to aging and damage, and inconvenience in maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an inflatable bladder for sealing gaps. It uses a single inflatable bladder to effectively address structural irregularities caused by changes in temperature between winter and summer. Whether the gap is narrow or wide, or if two parts are misaligned laterally, the elastic inflatable bladder can seal the gap. The inflatable bladder can be monitored online; any pressure drop can be detected and automatically addressed. Double inflatable bladders can also be used, so if one deflates, the other will continue to function. It is simple and easy to install and operate; it has good elasticity and waterproofing, preventing leakage due to deformation or displacement of the waterproof surface; maintenance and replacement are convenient; and it can be remotely monitored to promptly address any problems. It features real-time remote monitoring and automatic pressure replenishment.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: an inflatable tube for sealing gaps, characterized in that: the hollow rubber tube is vertically elliptical when uninflated, and nearly circular when inflated, with tube closed ends at both ends, and tube inflation valves connected to the two closed ends, with pressure gauges and monitors installed behind the tube inflation valves, and inflated by an automatic inflation pump.

[0005] The advantages of this invention are that it can tightly fit bridge gaps, effectively preventing rainwater, dust and other impurities from entering the gaps, thereby extending the service life of the bridge; it has good elasticity, which can effectively absorb the impact of vehicle loads on the bridge, reduce bridge vibration, improve driving comfort and safety, and is easy to install and maintain, greatly reducing maintenance costs; it has a wide range of applications and can also be used for gap treatment in tunnels, subways, airport runways and other projects. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing how a bridge cross-section is "attached" to another bridge cross-section. The term "attached" is used for clarity.

[0007] Figure 2 This is the state in which the hollow rubber tubing has been installed.

[0008] Figure 3 This is the state after the hollow rubber tube bladder has been installed.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of an uninflated hollow rubber tube bladder.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state of the hollow rubber tube after inflation.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1-6 As shown, an inflatable tube for sealing gaps is characterized in that: the hollow rubber tube 21 is elliptical when uninflated and nearly circular when inflated; both ends of the hollow rubber tube 21 are provided with tube closure ends 24; tube inflation valves 25 are connected to the two closure ends 24; pressure gauges 26 and monitors 27 are installed behind the tube inflation valves 25; and it is inflated by an automatic inflation pump 28.

[0013] This tubular bladder is used in the cross-section of bridges or roads; it is a hollow rubber tubular bladder 21. For example... Figure 4 The hollow rubber tube bladder 21 shown is in an uninflated state, presenting an upright oval shape for easy installation and removal. Figure 5 When inflated, the hollow rubber tube bladder 21 is nearly circular in shape, sealing the "gap" to prevent water leakage. It can also deform with the deformation of the rigid structure to achieve a completely sealed state.

[0014] Rubber is elastic, tough, and puncture-resistant, which can effectively bond tightly to the contact surface and prevent it from being punctured.

[0015] The hollow rubber bladder 21 is pre-fabricated in the factory according to the specifications. It has closed ends 24 at both ends and an inflation valve 25 on each end. A pressure gauge 26 and a monitor 27 (with remote monitoring function) are installed after each inflation valve 25. During use, it is inflated using an automatic inflation pump 28, which stops inflating once the required pressure is reached. Two bladders may be used if necessary, as the upper one is more prone to puncture. If a pressure drop is detected in either bladder, it should be replaced or repaired promptly.

[0016] It can be used for bridge joints, building connection joints, settlement joints, and other locations that require sealing and waterproofing.

[0017] It can also be applied to other gaps and crevices for waterproofing.

[0018] like Figure 2As shown, the balloon inflation valve 25 is visible. In actual use, this balloon inflation valve 25 must be protected and "hidden" to prevent damage.

[0019] At this point, the bridge deck can be "completely" connected at gap 13 using a bridge gap connecting plate or similar material.

[0020] Note: Do not press the gap filler directly onto the hollow rubber tube 21 to prevent damage. If it is a load-bearing part, use a connecting plate or similar material to connect and protect it. If it is not a load-bearing part, use a soft material for filling. However, because the hollow rubber tube 21 is made of rubber, it still has a considerable degree of puncture resistance.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the gap. The hollow rubber tube bladder 21 has been inserted into the bridge gap 13. Before this step, the work surface must be cleaned. It does not need to be perfectly flat; it just needs to be free of large protrusions and sharp objects. However, the work surface must be free of loose debris; any loose debris must be removed to prevent gaps from forming between the loose debris and the bridge cross-section 11. If conditions permit, high-pressure water flushing can be used for better leak prevention.

[0022] At this point, the tube is simply not inflated. In reality, this state doesn't exist because there's no support. In practice, it should be slightly inflated so that the hollow rubber tube 21 can be just placed into the bridge gap 13 without affecting the straightening process. Once it's confirmed that the entire hollow rubber tube 21 is installed in the designed position without any bending or other issues, then inflation should proceed. Figure 5 Show.

[0023] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 The image shows the inflated state of the hollow rubber tube 21, which is completely in contact with and sealed to the bridge cross-section 11. Due to the elasticity and toughness of the hollow rubber tube 21, it is not affected by the unevenness of the bridge cross-section 11 (provided there are no large protrusions or dents). Even slight deformation or displacement of the bridge bodies at both ends will not affect the seal; temperature changes in northern regions will also not affect the seal.

[0024] like Figure 6 The image shows a hollow, vertically elongated elliptical tube. It is pre-fabricated at the factory according to the requirements of the intended use, ensuring excellent waterproofing even at bends.

[0025] Each end has a bladder inflation valve 25, which can be used to adapt to on-site construction conditions (either one can be used). Each end also has a pressure gauge 26, a monitor 27, and an automatic inflation pump 28. The monitor 27 has remote monitoring capabilities, allowing for timely detection and handling of problems.

[0026] Two can be used if necessary. If one is damaged, it will not affect the leak prevention. Just deal with it in time.

[0027] The monitor 27 can be powered by mains electricity, as there is usually a power source near bridges (or road surfaces, building settlement joints) where leakage needs to be prevented. In the field, solar power can be used.

Claims

1. An inflatable tubular bladder for sealing gaps, characterized in that: The hollow rubber bladder is inflated to a near-circular shape. Both ends of the hollow rubber bladder are equipped with bladder sealing ends, and the two sealing ends are connected to bladder inflation valves. An inflation pump is installed behind the bladder inflation valves.