Converter Box Cladding Seal Using Deformed Metal Panels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing solutions for chests, such as electrical converters in transport vehicles, are prone to damage from atmospheric agents and require frequent maintenance, increasing costs over their long lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A metal box with a deformed portion mechanically fixed to a cladding panel forms baffles and relaxation chambers, creating a seal without additional sealing material, effectively preventing liquid and dust penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sealing parts (rubber gaskets, mastic beads) are used to prevent contaminant penetration, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and reliability decreases due to exposure to atmospheric agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the traditional sealing parts (rubber gaskets, mastic beads) from the joint between cladding panels. Instead of using separate sealing components, the sealing function is integrated directly into the cladding panel through a deformed portion that forms a labyrinthine path, thereby removing the parts that require maintenance and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformed portion of the cladding panel creates a self-contained sealing structure that does not require external sealing materials or components. The labyrinthine geometry formed by the deformed portion provides automatic protection against liquid penetration through its multi-chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing parts that would require maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sealing materials are added to joints between cladding panels, then protection against liquid penetration is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against liquid penetrationVSAvoidsealing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the sealing function with the cladding panel itself. The deformed portion of the cladding panel integrates the sealing structure directly into the panel, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials or components. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective protection against liquid penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformed portion of the cladding panel creates a flexible labyrinthine structure with multiple chambers that provides sealing without requiring additional sealing materials. The geometric configuration of the deformed portion forms a flexible barrier that effectively prevents liquid penetration through the joint between panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional sealing parts are used at joints, then initial sealing is achieved, but long-term durability decreases due to damage from atmospheric agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing durabilityVSAvoidservice life without maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the vulnerable sealing parts (rubber gaskets, mastic beads) that are exposed to atmospheric agents. By removing these separate sealing components and integrating the sealing function into the cladding panel itself, the structure achieves long-term durability without parts that can deteriorate from environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and configuration of the cladding panel by deforming a portion of it to create the sealing structure. This deformation creates a labyrinthine path with multiple chambers that provides durable sealing protection, transforming the panel from a simple flat structure into an integrated sealing system that resists atmospheric damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4129771B1Box, in particular for an electrical converter of a transport vehicle, electrical converter comprising such a box, and transport vehicle comprising such a converter
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP4129771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129771B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A box, in particular for an electrical converter of a transport vehicle, comprising a support frame and a plurality of cladding panels delimiting an internal volume suitable for housing one or more device(s) and comprising at least one metal panel, characterized in that the metal panel includes at least one deformed portion (31) which is mechanically fixed to at least one first cladding panel (1), the deformed portion (31) being configured to form, with the first cladding panel and without the addition of sealing material, an edge (32) substantially sealed against the penetration of liquid and/or dust into the internal volume.