Compression Wedge With Opposite Pitch Screw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lead-through system wedges require cumbersome measurement to ensure a predetermined compression force for sealing, as they lack definite stops for screw turning, risking inadequate or excessive force application.

Innovation Solution

A wedge design with four interlocking wedge elements and a screw system featuring colored indicators and stop edges to facilitate easy activation and deactivation, ensuring consistent compression force without manual measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two screws with opposite pitch threads are used to move wedge elements, then the wedge can be compressed and decompressed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires alternating turns of both screws

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of activationVSAvoidscrew system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate screw operations into a single screw operation. The single screw has two threaded sections with opposite pitches that engage with two wedge elements simultaneously, allowing one screw turn to compress both wedge elements toward the center, eliminating the need for alternating turns of two separate screws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw is segmented into two distinct threaded sections with opposite pitches along its length. Each section engages with a different wedge element, allowing the single screw to independently control the movement of both wedge elements through its rotation, simplifying the operation while maintaining the compression mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If no definite stops are provided for screw turning, then the wedge can be adjusted freely, but it becomes impossible to know when the predetermined compression force is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression force precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual feedback indicators (such as colored markings or windows) that show when the wedge elements have been compressed to the correct position. These indicators provide immediate feedback to the operator, eliminating the need for complex measurement tools while ensuring the predetermined compression force is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator system between the screw mechanism and the compression force outcome. This indicator system translates the mechanical compression state into visible signals, serving as a mediator that guides the operator to the correct compression point without requiring direct measurement of force or distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If distance measurement between screw heads and wedge is required to establish sufficient compression force, then the predetermined compression force can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression force accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge system is designed to be self-indicating, where the compression state automatically reveals itself through built-in visual indicators. The system serves itself by providing the information needed to determine correct compression without external measurement tools, eliminating time-consuming distance measurements and allowing operators to quickly verify proper installation.

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

The wedge design simplifies the application of a consistent compression force, providing clear visual and tactile indications for proper installation, ensuring a tight seal without over-compression, thus enhancing handling and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second parts have co-operating threads that are so arranged that the first and second parts will move relative each other when the first part is rotated relative the second part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

A third wedge element and a fourth wedge element are placed on opposite sides of the first two wedge elements abutting the two first wedge elements along sloping surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3292337B1Compression wedge
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ROXTEC AB
  • EP3292337B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3292337B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP3292337B1 patent drawingFigure 9~16

AI summary

The present invention concerns a wedge comprising four wedge elements (1, 2, 3, 4). A first wedge element (1) and a second wedge element (2) are arranged moveable towards and away from each other. A third wedge element (3) and a fourth wedge element (4) are placed on opposite sides of the first two wedge elements (1, 2) abutting the two first wedge elements (1, 2) along sloping surfaces. The third and fourth wedge elements (3, 4) will be moved away from each other when the first and second wedge elements (1, 2) are moved toward each other and will be free to move toward each other when the first and second wedge elements (1, 2) are moved away from each other. The movement is accomplished in that a first part (7) is fixed rotatable in the first wedge element (1) and that a second part (6, 40) is fixed non-rotatable in the second wedge element (2). The first and second parts (7, 6, 40) have co-operating threads that are so arranged that the first and second parts (7, 6, 40) will move relative each other when the first part (7) is rotated relative the second part (6, 40).