Comb Seal Mat Structure for Variable Pipe Penetration Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe sealing solutions are limited to specific pipe diameters and shapes, making them ineffective for sealing various pipe diameters and non-circular cross-sections.

Innovation Solution

A sealing mat with radially spaced sealing projections or webs that can accommodate different pipe diameters and shapes, featuring a flat base body with a through opening that can be easily adapted to various pipe sizes, made from elastic materials like silicone or rubber, which can swell to ensure a secure seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a sealing mat is designed for a specific pipe diameter, then the sealing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different pipe diameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different pipe diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing mat is divided into multiple sealing projections arranged at different radial distances from the center line. Each sealing projection can independently contact the pipe outer surface at different positions, allowing the sealing mat to adapt to various pipe diameters while maintaining effective sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sealing projections are positioned at specific radial distances to create localized sealing zones. This allows each projection to be optimized for contacting pipes of specific diameters, enabling the single sealing mat to provide precise sealing for multiple pipe size ranges through selective activation of different projections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the sealing mat is made from elastic material that can swell, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing mat utilizes changes in material parameters (swelling and elastic deformation) in response to environmental conditions. When exposed to liquid, the elastomer material swells and the sealing projections deform elastically to conform to the pipe outer surface, automatically adapting to dimensional variations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mat performs self-adjustment through the swelling and elastic properties of the elastomer material. The material automatically deforms and conforms to the pipe surface when exposed to liquid, eliminating the need for external adjustment devices or complex installation procedures while ensuring reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sealing projections are arranged at different radial distances, then the adaptability to different pipe diameters is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sealing projections with different radial positions are integrated into a single sealing mat body made of elastomer material. This unified structure allows all projections to be manufactured simultaneously as one piece, simplifying production while providing the capability to seal pipes of different diameters through the coordinated action of multiple projections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 sealing mat provides a flexible and adaptable solution for sealing pipes of various diameters and shapes, ensuring a reliable and permanent seal by swelling upon contact with liquid, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The material of the base body is preferably an elastic material suitable for sealing, in particular waterproofing. In particular, the base body is made of a building-sealing material. More preferably, the base body material is a material suitable for penetrations or pipe penetrations. These can be suitable plastic, rubber, silicone, and/or swellable materials.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwelling: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4310377A1Comb seal and method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 WAGRO SYSTEMABDICHTUNGEN GMBH
  • EP4310377A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4310377A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4310377A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The subject matter of the present invention relates to a sealing mat (100) for sealing a penetration, in particular for sealing a pipe penetration (10), comprising a planar base body (110) extending over a base plane, with a top (111) and a bottom (112), wherein at least from one of the two sides, sealing projections or sealing ribs (120) project transversely to the base plane in a rib-like manner, wherein the sealing projections or sealing ribs (120) are radially spaced at different intervals from a center line projecting perpendicularly through a center (Z) of the base plane, such that a penetration (10) can be received in a sealing manner between the sealing projections or sealing ribs (120). The invention also relates to a sealing method for this purpose.