Composite Wedge for Lead-Through Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lead-through system wedges require cumbersome and often incomplete compression due to the need for multiple turns of screws to compress rubber material, especially in time-sensitive applications.

Innovation Solution

A wedge with adjustable thickness using a single screw and socket arrangement, featuring wedge elements with a harder core and elastic outer material, reducing the number of turns required for compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wedge elements are made completely of elastic rubber material and two screws are used for adjustment, then the wedge can be compressed, but the number of screw turns required becomes large and the operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of compressionVSAvoidtime for compression
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge elements are made of composite material consisting of a hard core (metal or hard plastic) surrounded by elastic rubber material. The hard core provides structural support and reduces the number of screw turns needed for compression, while the elastic outer layer maintains sealing capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by reducing operation time without compromising ease of compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge element is segmented into two distinct parts: a hard core and an elastic outer layer. Each part serves a specific function - the core provides mechanical advantage for compression while the outer layer provides sealing. This segmentation allows the wedge to achieve compression with fewer screw turns while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If two screws are used to adjust the wedge thickness, then the wedge can be compressed, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adjustment function into a single screw mechanism that acts on the wedge elements. Instead of two separate screws, one screw controls the positioning of wedge elements relative to each other. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of adjustment through a simpler, more intuitive single-screw operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the wedge elements are made of completely elastic material, then sealing is improved, but the number of screw turns required for compression increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidtime for compression
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure with hard core and elastic outer layer resolves this contradiction by having each material perform its optimal function. The hard core provides the mechanical rigidity needed for efficient compression with fewer screw turns, while the elastic outer layer maintains contact and sealing against the frame and stay plates, ensuring reliability without increasing compression time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Facilitates easier and more complete compression of modules within the lead-through system, improving efficiency and reducing the time needed to achieve the desired compression force.

Implementation Method 1

The wedge elements of the prior art are made completely of an elastic, compressible rubber material. The rubber material is used to seal against the frame and adjacent stay plate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the wedge is moved between a non-compression state and a compression state by means of two screws, whereby each screw has threads with opposite pitches. The screws are connected to two wedge elements, which are moved towards each other if the screws are turned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3292336B1Wedge of a lead-through system
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ROXTEC AB
  • EP3292336B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3292336B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP3292336B1 patent drawingFigure 9~13

AI summary

The present invention concerns a compression wedge of a lead-through system. The compression wedge comprises a number of wedge elements (1, 2, 3, 4). At least one of the wedge elements (1, 2, 3, 4) has a core (9, 10, 11, 12) of a harder material than an outer part surrounding the core (9, 10, 11, 12). The part surrounding the core (9, 10, 11, 12) is made of an elastic material. The wedge is moved between a non-compression state and a compression state by means of one single screw (6) co-operating with a socket (7).