Butt-strap sealing for electrical conductor tray joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for sealing the expansion joint between electrical conductor trays with lids are either incomplete, complex, or costly, as they either only cover a central part or require additional components to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A channel-shaped butt-strap device that covers the entire periphery of the expansion joint between two consecutive trays, featuring a clamping part and a closure part made from electrically insulating materials, with inner cantilever wings and releasable retention means, allowing for secure sealing in various installation configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lid seal is used to cover the expansion joint, then the joint can be sealed, but the seal only covers a central part and must be complemented by additional channel lid components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping function and sealing function into a single integrated device. The U-shaped body simultaneously clamps the channel bodies and provides sealing through its structure, eliminating the need for separate lid seals and reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable sealing of the entire expansion joint periphery
2Reliability
If an airtight closure with hinge and harpoon mechanism is used, then the joint can be sealed, but the device becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex hinge and harpoon closure mechanisms from the sealing device. Instead, it uses a simplified U-shaped body with elastic cantilever wings that provide sealing through elastic deformation and friction, achieving reliable sealing without costly and complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple elastic elements (cantilever wings) made of elastomeric material that provide sealing through their elastic properties. These simple, inexpensive elastic components replace expensive mechanical closure mechanisms while maintaining effective sealing functionality
3Reliability
If a seal is positioned between the channel and lid, then sealing can be achieved, but the seal does not cover the entire periphery of the expansion joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear seal positioned between components to a U-shaped body that wraps around and covers the entire periphery of the expansion joint. This dimensional change from a linear to a circumferential configuration ensures complete coverage of all surfaces around the joint, including areas previously inaccessible to conventional seals
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 provides a simple, effective, and cost-efficient method to prevent the entry of undesirable elements into the expansion joint, ensuring the integrity and service life of electrical conductor trays by covering the entire periphery of the joint in all installation positions.
Implementation Method 1
said clamping part is made with an electrically insulating elastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
Butt-strap applicable to trays that are formed by a base body and a lid body and which are arranged consecutively, head to head, leaving between them a free space serving as a joint. The butt-strap comprises a clamping part (2) that is straight channel shaped and which covers a first part of a peripheral transverse area of two consecutive trays and the longitudinal margins of a second part thereof, by means of two inner cantilever wings (9) that emerge from the walls (10) of said clamping part (2); and a closure part (3) that couples by its two ends to said cantilever wings (9) and which abuts under these over a third part of said peripheral transverse area, formed by the surface of one of the larger outer faces of the trays.