Cylindrical Seal With Outer Diameter Extender for Wider Fit Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cylindrical seals for cables, wires, and pipes are limited by a narrow diameter range, requiring a large inventory of different sizes to accommodate various opening diameters, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical seal with an outer diameter extender, composed of two parts with protruding tongues and recesses, that can be attached to the seal to expand its diameter range, allowing it to fit a wider range of openings by radially expanding when compressed axially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical seal is designed to fit a specific diameter range, then it can function properly in that range, but the number of different seal sizes required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with an extender ring that can be attached to increase its outer diameter, allowing the same seal to function in multiple diameter ranges. The extender ring includes attachment elements that engage with corresponding elements on the seal, enabling the seal to adapt to different opening sizes without requiring multiple seal sizes in stock.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system is divided into modular components: the base seal and the extender ring. These segments can be selectively combined based on the required diameter, allowing a single seal design to serve multiple functions across different size ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal diameter is increased to cover a wider range, then fewer seal sizes are needed, but the seal may not fit smaller openings properly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system allows dynamic adjustment of the outer diameter by attaching or removing the extender ring based on the specific application requirements. This dynamic configuration enables the seal to maintain precise fit for both smaller and larger openings without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender ring is designed with specific engagement features that ensure precise localization and positioning on the seal. This local quality control maintains fit precision while extending the overall diameter range capability.
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 increases the diameter range of cylindrical seals, reducing the number of different sizes needed in stock, as the extender can be used for higher diameters while the seal alone covers lower diameters, thus optimizing storage and usage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible body is compressed axially between fittings placed at opposite ends of the compressible body. By the axial compression the compressible body will expand radially both inwards and outwards.
Implementation Method 2
The compressible body is compressed axially between fittings placed at opposite ends of the compressible body. By the axial compression the compressible body will expand radially both inwards and outwards.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
The present invention concerns a lead-through for cables, wires or pipes comprising a cylindrical seal (4) and an outer diameter extender (1). The outer diameter extender (1) is adapted to be mounted on an outer surface of the cylindrical seal (4). The outer diameter extender (1) comprises two parts, wherein each of the two parts has at least one protruding part (2) and at least one recess (3). The at least one protruding part (2) of one of the parts of the outer diameter extender (1) is to be received in the at least one recess (3) of the other part of the outer diameter extender (1).