Compression Seal Display Element for Contact Pressure Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing press seals lack a reliable means to indicate the deformation state of the elastomer body, making it difficult to ensure optimal contact pressure and sealing efficiency, especially when the line diameter is outside the optimal range, leading to inadequate sealing and potential damage from excessive force.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a display element within the press body that allows visualization of the contact pressure transmitted to the elastomer body, using a movable deformation element between two press body parts, which changes relative position with increasing force, enabling the indication of contact pressure through a display press body part or indicator pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no display element is provided in the press body, then the structure remains simple, but the deformation state of the elastomer body cannot be indicated, leading to application errors and inadequate sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidpress body structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A display element is introduced as an intermediary component between the press body and the user. This display element visually indicates the deformation state of the elastomer body, allowing the user to determine whether optimal sealing force has been applied without requiring complex measurement equipment or subjective assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The display element provides visual feedback about the compression status of the elastomer body. As the press body deforms the elastomer, the display element changes position or appearance to indicate the degree of deformation, giving real-time feedback to the user about the sealing force being applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the line diameter is outside the optimal range (too small), then the elastomer body must be more deformed for sealing, but this can cause excessive force and potential damage without proper indication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressure controlVSAvoidexcessive deformation force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display element provides visual feedback that allows the user to monitor the deformation of the elastomer body in real-time. When the elastomer is sufficiently deformed to achieve sealing contact with a small-diameter line, the display element indicates this state, preventing the user from applying excessive force that could damage the elastomer or the line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display element serves as a warning system that prevents excessive deformation before it occurs. By indicating the optimal deformation point, it cushions against the harmful effect of over-compression, allowing the user to stop applying force at the correct point even when sealing small-diameter lines that require greater deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the display element is not structurally built into the press body, then it can be lost during use, but building it in increases structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay element availabilityVSAvoidpress body integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display element is merged with the press body structure, becoming an integral part rather than a separate component. This integration ensures that the display element cannot be lost during use or assembly, as it is structurally unified with the press body. The display functionality is combined with the compression function in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If no indication of contact pressure is provided, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but application errors increase and sealing quality cannot be verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressure measurementVSAvoidpress body manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display element provides visual feedback about the contact pressure being applied to the elastomer body. Through its design, the display element's position or appearance changes in response to the compression force, giving the user a visual measurement of the contact pressure without requiring complex sensors or measurement instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The press body structure itself serves the dual function of compression and measurement. The display element is designed to automatically indicate the compression status through the mechanical deformation of the press body or elastomer, without requiring external measurement equipment. The system measures and displays its own state through its inherent mechanical behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution ensures proper contact pressure is maintained, reduces application errors, and prevents elastomer body damage by visually indicating when optimal sealing force is reached, allowing for precise adjustment and handling of the press seal.

Implementation Method 1

a deformation element (29) arranged between them in relation to the direction of the line, which is deformable when force is applied in the line direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3025080B1Pressing body for compression seal and compression seal
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 HAUFF TECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3025080B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3025080B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3025080B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a compression seal having an elastomer body (91) for sealing abutment against a cable and a compression body (1) which can be pressed onto the elastomer body (91) by tightening of a clamping bolt (212), such that the elastomer body abuts the cable. The compression body (1) comprises a display element on which a force transmitted to the elastomer body (91) when the clamping bolt (212) is tightened can be read off.