Dynamic Conduit Sleeve Sealing Plug for Pressure-Responsive Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for pipes, cables, and ducts through conduit sleeves face issues with uneven load distribution, irreversible deformation, frequent retightening due to relaxation and creep, and failure to maintain sealing integrity under sudden pressure changes or temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic sealing system using an elastically deformable plug with hingeable surfaces and ribs, which compresses and adjusts to maintain sealing integrity, preventing movement under pressure gradients and reducing radial pressure on plastic pipes to minimize creep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression bolts or nuts are used to compress rubber blocks for sealing, then sealing force is improved, but the system requires frequent retightening due to rubber relaxation and creep
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system uses the pressure differential across the partition itself as the compressive force, eliminating the need for external compression bolts or nuts. The pressure gradient automatically maintains sealing force without requiring manual intervention or retightening, as the system self-regulates through the applied pressure differential.
2Reliability
If high compression force is applied to seal around pipes and cables, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but radial pressure causes creep in plastic pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing force is applied locally at the interface between the plug and the partition wall, rather than radially compressing the pipe. The pressure differential acts on the plug material itself, creating a localized sealing action that prevents fluid passage without imposing sustained radial pressure on the pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is made of flexible material that can deform under pressure differential to conform to the partition opening and create an effective seal. This flexibility allows the plug to maintain sealing contact through pressure-driven deformation rather than through radial compression of the pipe.
3Reliability
If rigid sealing blocks are used to fill space in conduit sleeves, then sealing capacity is improved, but the system cannot respond to sudden pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed as a dynamic element that can move and deform in response to pressure changes. Under sudden pressure differentials, the plug can be pushed against the partition wall to enhance sealing, or retract to accommodate pressure surges, providing both sealing capacity and adaptability to dynamic pressure conditions.
4Reliability
If compression force is distributed unevenly among sealing blocks, then some areas are over-compressed while others remain under-compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism changes the parameter of force application from static, externally-applied compression to dynamic, pressure-differential-driven compression. The force distribution automatically adjusts to match the pressure gradient and geometric configuration, ensuring uniform sealing contact without localized over-compression or under-compression.
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 system provides consistent sealing performance, resists sudden pressure changes, and reduces the need for frequent retightening, maintaining integrity even under high pressures and temperature variations, while allowing for flexibility and shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a plug (4) made of an elastic material which is fittingly and sealingly insertable in the conduit sleeve (3)
Implementation Method 2
The inner side and/or the outside is provided with at least one hingeble surface area (15) for facilitating compression of the plug (4) in the longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse movement of at least one of the inner or outer ribs (8, 11)
Implementation Method 3
Each end has dimensions that allow for fitting of that end in the conduit sleeve (3), the outer side comprises a number of outer ribs (8) having tops (8a) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the plug (4) for realizing annular contact surfaces (9) between the plug (4) and an inner circumferential wall (10) of the conduit sleeve (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system for dynamically sealing an opening through which at least one pipe (2), cable or duct extends via a conduit sleeve (3) wherein the system comprises at least an elastically deformable plug (4) which is fittingly and sealingly insertable in the conduit sleeve, the plug having two ends, an outer side and an inner side, the outer side comprising a number of outer ribs having tops spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the plug, the inner side comprising a number of inner ribs having tops spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the plug, wherein the inner side and/or the outer side is provided with at least one hingeable surface area.