Elastomeric Blocking Body for Sealing Building Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing elongate bodies in buildings, such as cables and conduits, often result in air and moisture leakage through holes in the support structure, as they fail to effectively seal the gaps, leading to energy efficiency and structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a blocking body, typically made of elastomeric material, is used to seal holes in the support structure by friction-fitting or covering them, allowing elongate bodies to be securely inserted through pre-formed or dynamically created openings, which can be self-sealing and adaptable to various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If holes are made in the support structure to install elongate bodies, then the elongate bodies can be installed, but air and moisture leakage occurs through the holes
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking body is introduced as an intermediary component between the hole in the support structure and the elongate bodies. The blocking body fills the hole and provides openings for the elongate bodies to pass through, while sealing around them to prevent air and moisture leakage. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing installation access while blocking harmful leakage paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking body implements local quality by having different regions with different functions: the outer surface seals against the hole to prevent leakage, while specific localized openings allow elongate bodies to pass through. This spatial differentiation of properties allows simultaneous achievement of sealing and access.
2Stability of the object's composition
If staples or holes are used to secure cables, then the cables can be secured, but the support structure is damaged or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking body serves as a mediator that provides cable securing functionality without requiring damage to the support structure. Instead of stapling directly to the structure or drilling additional holes, the blocking body is inserted into existing holes and provides a secure mounting surface for cable fastening.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking body is used to seal holes, then air and moisture leakage is prevented, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking body is prepared in advance with pre-formed openings or the capability to create openings easily. This preliminary preparation simplifies the installation process, as the blocking body is ready to be inserted and immediately provide sealing functionality, requiring minimal on-site modification or complex procedures.
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 solution significantly reduces air and moisture leakage, enhancing the energy efficiency and structural integrity of buildings by providing a reliable and adaptable sealing mechanism for elongate bodies during installation.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric body having an outer diameter that is sufficiently large to allow the elastomeric body to be friction fit within an inner diameter of the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing elongate bodies in a building includes the steps of providing a blocking body having one or more openings; blocking a hole in a support structure of a building with the blocking body, the hole passing through the support structure; and inserting at least one elongate body through at least one of the one or more openings in the blocking body.