C-Rail Sealing Device with Deformable Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing methods for C-rails in rail vehicles, such as welding and using casting compounds or foam, are complex, difficult to disassemble, and limit accessibility, while previous solutions like flexible plugs and bolt seals are only suitable for approximately round holes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a deformable sealing body between a front panel element and a cover panel element, held together by fastening units, which can be easily assembled and disassembled to form a fire and pressure protection barrier, providing a reliable watertight and gas-tight seal without the need for welding or complex handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to close openings in C-rails, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but assembly complexity and structural modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separate modular components: a sealing profile with integrated sealing elements, a cover panel, and fastening means. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining sealing effectiveness through mechanical assembly of discrete parts.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing profile acts as an intermediary element between the C-rail opening and the cover panel. This intermediate component contains the sealing elements and provides a mechanical interface for fastening, replacing the direct welding connection while achieving both sealing and structural functions.
2Reliability
If casting compound or foam is used for sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but handling safety and assembly time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing profile is designed as a pre-fabricated, single-use component that is inserted and fixed in place. Unlike reusable foam or casting compounds that require careful handling and have limited service life, this disposable-like component provides reliable sealing without chemical setting processes or special handling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are pre-installed in the sealing profile during manufacturing, before the actual assembly process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site application of chemicals or foams, improving handling safety and reducing assembly time while ensuring consistent sealing quality.
3Reliability
If C-rails are sealed with welding or filling materials, then fire protection and pressure protection are improved, but accessibility and disassembly capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system transitions from a static, permanent welded or filled connection to a dynamic, mechanically adjustable assembly. The fastening means allows for controlled disassembly and reassembly, enabling maintenance and repair while maintaining fire and pressure protection during operation. The sealing elements remain effective throughout the service life and can be replaced if needed.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical processing is used to create threading points on C-rails, then fastening capability is improved, but C-rail accessibility and structural integrity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing the entire C-rail structure to create threading points, the fastening capability is localized to the sealing profile itself. The sealing profile contains integrated fastening elements that engage with the C-rail opening without requiring structural modification of the C-rail, preserving its accessibility and integrity while providing adequate fastening for the sealing application.
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
Enables easy and frequent assembly and disassembly, reduces maintenance effort, and avoids the limitations of welding and chemical setting materials, ensuring a flexible and secure seal without interrupting assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one deformable sealing body (30a, 30b) is arranged between a front panel element (21) and a cover panel element (22) [...] the sealing body seals an interior space (52) of the C-rail element (50) relative to the wall element (40) in a deformed state
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) with a sealing device (20) in which at least one deformable sealing element (30a, 30b) is arranged between a front panel element (21) and a cover panel element (22) and at least one fastening unit (24a, 24b) holds the front panel element, the sealing element and the cover panel element together in a longitudinal direction of the sealing device.To provide a device and a method in which a C-rail is sealed against a partition wall and the sealant is easy to install and remove, the device comprises at least one wall element (40) arranged transversely to a longitudinal opening of at least one C-rail element (50), wherein the sealing device is arranged in the longitudinal direction in an interior space of the C-rail element and adjoins the wall element with the sealing body, and wherein the sealing body in a deformed state seals an interior space of the C-rail element against the wall element.