Device for sealing between two coaxial ducts and assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for vertical ducts, such as those passing through building walls, face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal between coaxial ducts due to variations in axial distance and material compatibility, leading to potential leaks and water infiltration.
Innovation Solution
An axially deformable tubular membrane with adjustable coupling rings and annular seals is used to create a sealed connection between coaxial ducts, allowing for axial adjustment and secure attachment through radial flanges and screws, ensuring a tight seal despite variations in duct alignment and material compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid sealing device is used between coaxial ducts, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to variations in axial distance between duct ends, leading to poor sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device employs a deformable membrane instead of a rigid structure, allowing the membrane to dynamically adjust its shape and accommodate variations in axial distance between duct ends. The membrane can deform axially and radially to maintain sealing contact despite misalignment or distance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device changes its geometric parameters (axial length, radial profile) through membrane deformation to adapt to different installation conditions. The membrane's ability to change its physical state from a relaxed configuration to a deformed sealing configuration allows it to accommodate parameter variations without requiring multiple fixed-size components.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing devices are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot prevent water infiltration when duct ends are axially distant or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device uses a flexible membrane as its core sealing element. This thin film structure can conform to the duct surfaces and maintain contact pressure to prevent water infiltration, even when duct ends are misaligned or at varying axial distances. The flexibility of the membrane allows it to bridge gaps and maintain sealing integrity under adverse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is installed within the annular space between coaxial ducts, with the membrane nested between the interior and exterior duct surfaces. The coupling rings are positioned on opposite sides of the membrane, creating a nested configuration that secures the membrane in place while allowing it to deform for sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable membrane with coupling rings is used, then adaptability to duct variations is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into distinct components: the deformable membrane and the coupling rings. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using appropriate processes (membrane through rubber or polymer extrusion/molding, coupling rings through metal forming), and then assembled together, simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality.
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 insulates the space between ducts, preventing water infiltration and ensuring a reliable seal, even under conditions where duct ends are axially distant, by allowing for adjustable fitting and secure attachment, thus enhancing the sealing performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an axially deformable tubular membrane (4)
Implementation Method 2
The solution effectively insulates the space between ducts, preventing water infiltration and ensuring a reliable seal
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device comprising: an axially deformable tubular membrane (4) having a first annular end and a second annular end (8), a first annular coupling ring (5; 205) rigidly connected to the first end of the tubular membrane and having a lateral annular wing (10) providing an axial annular attachment space (12) that is axially open on the side of the second annular end of the tubular membrane and is radially located on a lateral side of the tubular membrane, and a second coupling ring (7) rigidly connected to the second end of the tubular membrane and having a projecting lateral annular ring (14) axially extending opposite the first annular end of the tubular membrane and radially offset opposite said axial annular attachment space relative to said lateral side of the tubular membrane. An assembly comprising two coaxial ducts (2, 3) engaged together, between which the sealing device is mounted.