Composite Grommet Cuff Assembly for Dense Multi-Line Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeve designs require larger jackets to accommodate multiple lines due to the radial space needed for individual grommets, limiting the number of grommets and the diameter of lines they can accommodate.
Innovation Solution
The sleeve features composite grommets that are molded onto each other, allowing for a closer outer contour merge and increased packing density, enabling more grommets to be arranged or accommodating larger line diameters within the same jacket diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual grommets are spaced apart on the sleeve, then each grommet can accommodate lines independently, but the radial space required limits the number of grommets and line diameters
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grommets are merged into a single composite grommet structure where individual grommet cavities are integrated into one molded piece. This merging eliminates the radial spacing requirements between separate grommets, allowing more grommets to be arranged within the same jacket diameter while maintaining independent line accommodation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite grommet structure nests multiple grommet cavities within a single outer envelope. Each grommet cavity is nested within the composite structure, sharing common walls and space, similar to nested dolls. This nesting approach maximizes the number of grommets that can fit within the limited radial space of the jacket.
2Quantity of substance
If more grommets are arranged on the sleeve, then sealing capacity increases, but the jacket diameter must increase to accommodate the radial space
Solution Approach 1:
The composite grommet merges multiple sealing functions into one integrated structure. By combining several grommet cavities into a single molded component with shared walls, the design increases the number of lines that can be sealed without proportionally increasing the jacket diameter, as the grommets share common structural space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging grommets in a simple radial pattern that requires proportional diameter increase, the composite grommet utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently. The cavities are arranged in a compact 3D configuration within the composite structure, allowing higher line density without linearly increasing the jacket diameter.
3Ease of manufacture
If grommets are designed as independent cylindrical segments, then each grommet can be manufactured separately, but the radial space required reduces packing density
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grommets are merged into a single composite component that can be manufactured as one piece using injection molding or similar processes. This merging maintains ease of manufacture by using standard molding techniques while dramatically improving packing density, as the composite structure eliminates gaps and redundant material between separate grommet components.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is designed as a composite structure with multiple cavities integrated into a single material body. This composite approach allows the grommet to function as multiple independent sealing elements while being manufactured as a unified component, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and high packing density.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
1. Sleeve (1, 1') for sealing a pipe assembly against a jacket (101) through which the pipe assembly passes, wherein the sleeve (1) has a first sealing section (5) configured for fluid-tight, end-end contact with the jacket (101), and several nozzles (7a, b; 7a, b, c), each having a second sealing section (12) configured for fluid-tight contact with a pipe of the pipe assembly. It is proposed that some or all of the nozzles (7a, b; 7a, b, c) are formed as a composite (7), wherein the nozzles (7a, b; 7a, b, c) are each integrally formed within a composite (7).