Crisscross Membrane Sleeve Assembly for Adaptive Cable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeve sealing solutions fail to maintain a proper seal as the number and size of cables passing through construction openings change, allowing smoke and noise to pass through.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly with a flange and two flexible sealing membranes, one with an acute and the other with an obtuse axial opening, crisscrossing each other, secured to a tubular sleeve member, which includes reinforcing bands to maintain a seal and accommodate varying cable sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid sealing solutions are used at sleeve openings, then initial sealing is achieved, but the seal cannot maintain proper sealing as cable moves, adds, and changes are made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing membranes with axial sealed openings that can deflect and adapt to cable movements. The membranes are made of flexible material that allows them to conform to changing cable configurations while maintaining the seal, resolving the contradiction between rigid sealing and cable flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system transitions from static rigid seals to dynamic flexible membranes that can move and adapt. The membranes are designed to deflect as cables are added, removed, or moved, allowing the seal to dynamically adjust to changing conditions while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing membrane is made fully flexible to accommodate cable movement, then adaptability improves, but the membrane may lose structural integrity and sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with non-uniform properties: the axial sealed openings provide flexibility for cable movement, while reinforcing bands are strategically placed to provide localized structural support. This local differentiation allows the membrane to be flexible where needed and strong where required, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing membrane combines flexible material with reinforcing bands to create a composite structure. The flexible base material allows movement and adaptation, while the reinforcing bands provide structural integrity and prevent membrane failure, simultaneously achieving both adaptability and strength.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing membranes are used to improve sealing effectiveness, then sealing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple axial sealed openings in separate membranes, each handling specific sealing functions. This segmentation allows each membrane to be simpler in design while collectively providing robust sealing, balancing effectiveness with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sealing membranes are combined within a single flange structure, integrating their functions into one assembly. The flange provides a unified mounting structure that holds multiple membranes, reducing overall assembly complexity compared to separate mounting structures for each membrane.
4Strength
If reinforcing bands are added to maintain membrane structure, then structural integrity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcing bands are applied only to specific regions of the membrane where structural support is needed, rather than covering the entire membrane. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength while minimizing additional manufacturing steps and material usage.
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 assembly effectively seals construction openings against smoke, noise, and fire, providing adjustable protection by maintaining a seal despite changes in cable configurations and sizes, while allowing for easy installation and expansion.
Implementation Method 1
A first sealing membrane defines a first flexible panel with a first axial sealed opening extending therethrough... A second sealing membrane defines a second flexible panel with a second axial sealed opening extending therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sealing membrane assembly (10) including a flange (40) having a body (42) with a through passage (43). A first sealing membrane (60a) defines a first flexible panel (64) with a first axial sealed opening (66) extending therethrough. The first axial sealed opening extends at an acute angle. A second sealing membrane (60b) defines a second flexible panel (64) with a second axial sealed opening (66) extending therethrough. The second axial sealed opening extends at an obutse angle. The first and second sealing membranes are secured relative to the flange such that the first and second axial sealed openings (66) crisscross one another and the first and second sealing membranes seal the through passage except through the first and second sealed openings.