Conduit End Sealing with a Rigid Second Conduit for Cable Re-Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems in conduits, such as the block system, deteriorate over time due to compression, leading to loss of sealing integrity and making it difficult and costly to re-seal conduits with changing cable diameters, requiring removal and replacement which is time-consuming and causes lengthy downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a first layer of sealant applied to the existing conduit end, with flexible elements positioned in the sealant forming a support structure, and a rigid second conduit constructed around these elements, allowing for re-sealing without removing the existing system, using thermally expandable or vulcanized rubber elements and sealants to maintain sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression mechanisms are used to tighten sealing blocks in the conduit, then sealing integrity is improved, but the components deteriorate over time due to creep and stress relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the sealing material from a compressed solid block to a liquid sealant that cures in place. This eliminates the need for continuous compression force, avoiding creep and stress relaxation while maintaining sealing integrity throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system (blocks requiring compression mechanisms) with a chemical system where liquid sealant cures to form a permanent seal. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress that causes deterioration over time.
2Reliability
If the block system is used for sealing, then initial sealing is achieved, but re-sealing becomes difficult and costly when cables need to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the cable support structure. The sealant is applied independently around the cables and support elements, allowing cables to be removed and replaced without disturbing the sealing system, thus enabling easy re-sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sealing system from the cable management system. The sealant creates a separate sealing zone that is independent of the cable support elements, allowing maintenance of one without affecting the other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular blocks with holes are used to accommodate cables, then cable support is provided, but the system requires compression mechanisms that complicate the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compression function from the cable support elements. The support elements provide mechanical support without requiring compression mechanisms, as the sealant provides the sealing function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sealing system that accommodates cables of various diameters and configurations without requiring different compression mechanisms. The liquid sealant adapts to any cable arrangement, providing both support and sealing in a single system.
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
Enables effective re-sealing of conduits without dismantling the existing system, maintaining sealing integrity and reducing downtime by constructing a rigid second conduit that adapts to the flexible elements, ensuring reliable long-term sealing without the need for maintenance or re-tightening.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible elements may be of a type which are thermally substantially expandable
Implementation Method 2
The flexible elements may be made of vulcanized rubber
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for sealing one end of an existing conduit through which a number of cables extend and in which a number of elements are placed for holding each of the number of cables in a position in the conduit, the system comprising: a sealant for applying a first layer of sealant at an end of the existing conduit against the number of elements so that the first layer of sealant completely covers that end of the conduit as far as not occupied by any of the number of cables; a number of flexible elements which each have a first end for positioning that first end into the first layer of sealant when the first layer is still uncured, each of the number of flexible elements further having a second end at such a distance from the respective first end when the first ends are positioned in the first layer of sealant, that the second ends form together a structure against which a second layer of the sealant can be applied, a single-part or multiple part subsystem for constructing a rigid second conduit around the flexible elements from their respective first end up to and including their respective second end when these first ends are positioned in the first layer of sealant, so that the number of cables also extend through the second conduit and a first end of the second conduit is sealed off by the first layer of sealant and a second end of the second conduit can be sealed off by applying a second layer of sealant against the structure formed by the second ends of the number of flexible elements.