Concrete Opening Seal Plug With Anti-Twist Sleeve Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing plugs for openings in concrete components require experimental prestressing and defined torque tightening to achieve a watertight seal, which complicates handling and consistency, especially when dealing with non-conical openings.

Innovation Solution

A sealing plug with a cylindrical elastic sleeve and a bolt with a screw thread, featuring a securing means with a pressure plate and clamping means that allows for easy insertion and compression without prestressing, ensuring a watertight seal by adapting to the opening's shape and resisting twisting, using inexpensive standard components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sealing plug is inserted into a non-conical opening without pretensioning, then the insertion process becomes simpler, but the sealing plug lacks sufficient support in the opening causing it to turn during nut tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidstability during tightening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing plug is pretensioned before insertion by compressing the elastic sleeve with the bolt and nut assembly. This preliminary compression creates initial friction between the sleeve and opening walls, preventing rotation during subsequent tightening operations while maintaining simple insertion procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic sleeve's compression state is changed from uncompressed to compressed before insertion. This parameter change increases the friction coefficient between the sleeve and opening, providing rotational stability without requiring complex insertion procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the nut is tightened with a defined torque to achieve a defined sleeve compression, then the seal quality becomes consistent, but the tightening process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal consistencyVSAvoidtightening procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic sleeve automatically achieves the correct compression state through its material properties and geometric design. The sleeve's elastic deformation characteristics self-regulate the compression force, eliminating the need for precise torque control procedures while maintaining consistent seal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from torque-controlled compression to displacement-controlled compression. By designing the sleeve with specific elastic properties and initial compression, the system achieves consistent sealing through geometric parameters rather than force parameters, simplifying the tightening procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the sleeve diameter is precisely matched to the opening diameter, then the seal effectiveness improves, but the requirement for precise diameter matching complicates the selection and installation process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoidselection and installation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system transitions from a static fit (precise diameter matching) to a dynamic compression fit. The elastic sleeve is compressed to create a friction-based seal that adapts to opening variations, eliminating the need for precise diameter matching while maintaining effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes from relying on dimensional precision (diameter matching) to relying on material properties (elasticity and friction). The compressed elastic sleeve creates sufficient normal force on the opening walls to prevent leakage, making the system tolerant of dimensional variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simpler and faster assembly by eliminating the need for precise diameter matching and experimental prestressing, ensuring a reliable watertight seal against water, fire, noise, and radon gas, with the seal's effectiveness determined by the sleeve material and screw thread length.

Implementation Method 1

an, in particular, cylindrical, elastic sleeve with a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a bolt with a screw thread that extends through the sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3942122B1Stopper or anchor
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 MASTERTEC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3942122B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3942122B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3942122B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a closure plug (10) or anchor for closing a breakthough or an opening in a concrete component, comprising an elastic sleeve (12) having a first sleeve end (18) and a second sleeve end (19), a bolt (14) which extends through the sleeve (12) and has a screw thread (16) with a nut (20) screwed thereon on one end of said bolt and a bolt head (22) or a further screw thread with a further nut screwed thereon on the other end of said bolt, a securing means (28) being provided between the bolt (20) and the sleeve (12) or between the bolt head (22) or the further nut and the sleeve (12). The invention also relates to a use of the closure plug or anchor, and to a method for closing, in a water-tight manner, a breakthrough or an opening in a concrete component.