Sealing Device for Corrugated Pipes with Support Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Corrugated pipes used for protective purposes in building construction are susceptible to radial loads, leading to undesired deformations and leaks due to non-uniform pressure distribution from sealing devices, making it difficult to achieve a reliable seal without damaging the pipe.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device with a compression-resistant support element that maintains a short axial length for the sealing body, ensuring uniform deformation and distributing pressure evenly, while preventing direct contact between sealing bodies and using a support element that fills the space between ribs of the corrugated pipe to restrict deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sealing body is compressed to achieve a reliable seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but radial pressure on the corrugated pipe increases causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcorrugated pipe deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A support element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sealing body and the corrugated pipe. This support element distributes the compression force from the sealing body over a larger area, preventing excessive localized radial pressure on the corrugated pipe while maintaining effective sealing contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the axial length of the sealing body is increased to improve sealing contact area, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but non-uniform deformation of the sealing body increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing contact areaVSAvoiduniformity of sealing body deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is segmented into multiple components: the sealing body, the support element, and the corrugated pipe. This segmentation allows the sealing body to maintain a compact axial length while the support element provides additional contact area and ensures uniform force distribution, preventing non-uniform deformation of the sealing body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the wall thickness of the corrugated pipe is reduced to lower production costs, then manufacturing cost is improved, but susceptibility to radial loads increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidresistance to radial loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support element acts as a cushioning component installed beforehand between the sealing body and the corrugated pipe. It absorbs and distributes radial compression forces before they reach the thin-walled corrugated pipe, protecting it from deformation while allowing the use of cost-effective thin-walled construction

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

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of pipe damage and achieves a reliable seal by minimizing excessive stress on the corrugated pipe, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and preventing deformation, thus enhancing the sealing effectiveness and protecting the pipe from constrictions or buckling.

Implementation Method 1

a compression-resistant support element (7) which is arranged between the sealing bodies (5a, 5b) and essentially prevents contact between the sealing bodies (5a, 5b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

During compression, the sealing body expands in the radial direction and exerts radial pressure on the corrugated pipe at the contact points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2578917B1Sealing device for corrugated pipes
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 UGA SYST TECHN
  • EP2578917B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2578917B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2578917B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device (1) has sealing bodies (5a) and a clamping element (6a) for axial pressing of the sealing bodies, where each sealing body rest against ribs of a corrugated pipe (3). A press-resistant supporting element is arranged between the sealing bodies. The supporting element is arranged between the ribs of the pipe. The supporting element comprises a recess for holding the pipe, where diameter of the recess corresponds to internal diameter of the pipe. Connection bars are arranged along a periphery of the clamping element. The supporting element includes axial front surfaces that support the sealing body. The supporting element directly rests against the internal diameter of the pipe.