Elastomer Cable Duct Sealing for Thin Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line bushings for sealing lines through walls often fail to provide a reliable seal, especially in thin walls, due to inadequate compression and expansion control of the elastomer body, leading to reduced sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a clamping sleeve that encloses and compresses the elastomer body transversely to the line direction, limiting its expansion and enhancing sealing by pressing it against the wall reveal, while using clamping bolts to secure the elastomer body and sleeve to the wall, eliminating the need for additional fastening devices or separate sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomer body is compressed between two clamping plates along the line direction, then the elastomer body is pressed against the line, but the sealing effect is insufficient especially in thin walls
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple functional components: the elastomer body for sealing, the clamping plate for axial clamping, and the clamping sleeve for radial compression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the clamping sleeve providing additional radial compression to improve sealing reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from one-dimensional compression (only along the line direction between clamping plates) to two-dimensional compression by adding the clamping sleeve that acts in the radial direction. This dimensional extension provides comprehensive compression control, pressing the elastomer body against both the line and the wall opening reveal, thereby improving sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If additional sealing bodies or fastening devices are added to improve sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radial compression to improve sealing, acts as a structural support element, and integrates with the existing clamping plate and elastomer body system. This multi-functionality allows the sealing reliability to be improved without adding separate dedicated sealing components, as the clamping sleeve performs both structural and sealing enhancement roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sleeve is integrated into the existing sealing system rather than being a separate add-on component. It works in conjunction with the clamping plates and elastomer body as a unified system, where the sleeve's radial compression complements the axial compression from the clamping plates. This merging approach improves sealing reliability while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate sealing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the clamping sleeve limits expansion of the elastomer body in directions transverse to the line direction, then compression and sealing effect are enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping sleeve provides localized radial compression at specific positions where the elastomer body needs support, rather than uniform compression throughout. The sleeve's geometry and positioning are optimized to apply compression force precisely where needed to maintain the elastomer body's sealing contact with the wall opening reveal, improving sealing efficacy without unnecessarily complicating the overall structure.
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
This configuration significantly improves the sealing efficacy of lines and wall openings by ensuring high static friction and geometric fit, providing a reliable seal even in thin walls without additional sealing bodies, and allowing for easy installation on pre-laid lines.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer body (3) for sealing, a clamping plate (5) for clamping the elastomer body and clamping bolts (7) for pushing through the elastomer body and the wall and clamping the elastomer body
Implementation Method 2
The clamping sleeve (4) is designed to enclose a part of the elastomeric body protruding beyond the wall opening with respect to directions transverse to the line direction and to bring about its compression by limiting the expansion of the elastomeric body in directions transverse to the line direction
Implementation Method 3
clamping bolts (7) for pushing through the elastomer body and the wall and clamping the elastomer body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The cable duct has an elastomer body (3) for sealing, a clamping sleeve (4) for covering the elastomer body, a clamping plate (5) for stretching the elastomer body cooperated with the clamping sleeve and clamping bolt (7) for interspersing the elastomer body. The elastomer body is designed such that a wall (2) is sealed by a system of the elastomer body at a soft pit of the opening.