Bulkhead Fitting Structure for Sealing Under Relative Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulkhead fitting devices fail to provide an optimum seal while enabling the absorption of forces and slight relative movements between a conduit and a wall, leading to potential leaks and inadequate force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A bulkhead fitting device comprising a first ring around the conduit, a second ring with a flat sealing face oriented towards the wall, an elastically deformable intermediate annular portion linking the rings, and a holding system to press the sealing face against the wall, forming a single part to ensure an optimal seal and force transfer, while allowing relative movements and absorbing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cylindrical elastomer body with a through-hole is used, then slight relative movements between the conduit and the wall are enabled, but the seal is not optimum and forces cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead fitting device is divided into three distinct functional segments: a first ring for conduit connection, a second ring with sealing face for wall mounting, and an intermediate annular portion for flexibility and force absorption. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate annular portion is made elastically deformable, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to relative movements between the conduit and wall while maintaining the seal. This dynamic property enables the device to absorb forces and vibrations rather than transmitting them rigidly.
2Device complexity
If a single rigid bulkhead fitting is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot absorb forces or vibrations and provides inadequate seal
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate annular portion changes its physical parameters by being made elastically deformable rather than rigid. This parameter change allows the device to absorb forces and vibrations through elastic deformation while maintaining structural integrity and seal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different material properties in its three components: the rings provide rigid structural support and sealing surfaces, while the intermediate annular portion uses elastic material properties to absorb forces and accommodate movements. This composite approach balances simplicity with advanced functionality.
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
The solution achieves an optimum seal, enables load transfer to the wall, absorbs vibrations and forces, and reduces the risk of leaks by integrating the rings and intermediate portion into a single part, allowing for controlled relative movements between the conduit and the wall.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable intermediate annular portion sealingly linking the first and second rings
Implementation Method 2
a holding system designed to press the sealing face against the contact face to create a seal between the sealing and contact faces
Data Source
AI summary
A bulkhead fitting device configured to sealingly link a conduit and a wall traversed by the conduit. This bulkhead fitting device includes a first ring sealingly linked to the conduit, a second ring having a flat, ring-shaped sealing face configured to be pressed against a contact face of the wall or of an intermediate part linked to the wall, an elastically deformable intermediate annular portion sealingly linking the first and second rings, a holding system configured to press the sealing face against the contact face. This bulkhead fitting device guarantees an optimum seal while enabling the absorption of forces and slight relative movements between the conduit and the wall. The device also helps to limit the propagation of vibration.