Elastic Lead-Through Device for Wall Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lead-through devices for tank walls fail to ensure permanent sealing due to wall expansion and shrinkage, which compromises fluid-tight connections, especially in fuel tanks where emission standards require no fuel vapor or liquid leakage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic supporting element connected to the second pipe fitting element, allowing limited displacement along the longitudinal center axis to maintain constant contact pressure and sealing, combined with a sealing element on the first pipe fitting element for primary sealing, and optionally using a wedge-shaped rib for additional sealing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid supporting element is used to maintain sealing contact, then initial sealing is achieved, but the sealing fails due to wall expansion and shrinkage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element is designed with elastic properties allowing it to dynamically adapt to wall thickness changes. The element can deform elastically in response to wall expansion and shrinkage, maintaining continuous sealing contact without rigid constraints that would fail under dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element's physical state is changed from rigid to elastic, enabling it to accommodate variations in wall dimensions. This parameter change allows the element to maintain sealing pressure despite changes in wall thickness due to thermal expansion, shrinkage, or other environmental factors.
2Strength
If the supporting element is rigidly connected to the pipe fitting element, then structural stability is achieved, but the sealing action is compromised under mechanical loading
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the supporting element and pipe fitting element is designed to be elastic rather than rigid. This allows the supporting element to move independently in response to mechanical loads while maintaining sealing contact, absorbing forces without transferring them directly to the pipe fitting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic supporting element acts as a cushioning element that absorbs mechanical forces before they can compromise the sealing action. By deforming elastically under load, it protects the sealing interface from excessive forces that would occur with a rigid connection.
3Reliability
If the supporting element is made elastic to accommodate wall movement, then sealing is maintained, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element is segmented into different functional zones: an elastic portion for accommodating wall movement and maintaining sealing, and potentially more rigid portions for structural support. This segmentation allows different parts to fulfill different requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element may be constructed from composite materials that combine elastic and rigid properties within the same component. This allows the element to exhibit elastic behavior where needed for sealing while maintaining sufficient structural strength for support functions.
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 elastic connection ensures reliable and permanent fluid-tight sealing across varying wall conditions, preventing fuel leakage and maintaining mechanical stability under mechanical loading.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting element is connected to the second pipe fitting element by way of an elastic portion which allows limited displacement of the supporting element in relation to the second pipe fitting element
Implementation Method 2
the first pipe fitting element has a flange, which bears a sealing element which, in the connected state of the two pipe fitting elements, abuts with fluid-sealing action against a wall portion adjacent to the through-passage
Data Source
AI summary
A lead-through device for a wall comprising first and second pipe fitting elements. A supporting element is connected to the second pipe fitting element by way of an elastic portion which allows limited displacement of the supporting element in relation to the second pipe fitting element at least in the direction of a longitudinal center axis. The primary sealing toward the outside is achieved by the sealing element borne by the flange of the first pipe fitting element.