Elastomeric Sealing Assembly for Cable Transit Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for cables, pipes, and ducts face issues such as uneven load distribution, pressure-related deformation, and maintenance challenges, including frequent retightening due to relaxation and creep, which affect sealing integrity and durability.
Innovation Solution
A sealing assembly featuring a transit-unit with a relatively inflexible material and an outer plug with elastic segmental longitudinal parts, which provides radial compression and flexibility to securely clamp the transit-unit in place, allowing for easy installation and long-term maintenance-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression blocks are used to seal the space between the feed-through sleeve and pipes/cables, then sealing is achieved, but the load distribution becomes uneven and the system requires frequent retightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid compression blocks to an elastomeric material that can deform and adapt. The elastomeric material undergoes stress relaxation and creep to conform to the irregular spaces around pipes and cables, achieving uniform sealing pressure without requiring frequent retightening. This material parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing integrity while reducing maintenance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a rigid feed-through sleeve with a flexible elastomeric sealing material. The elastomeric material acts as a composite element that bridges the rigid sleeve and the pipes/cables, distributing loads evenly through its ability to deform. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining the structural support of rigid materials with the adaptive sealing capability of flexible materials.
2Reliability
If high compression pressure is applied to seal the blocks, then sealing integrity is improved, but the pipes or cables may be damaged and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compliance parameter of the sealing system by using elastomeric material instead of rigid blocks. The elastomeric material can accommodate compression forces through elastic deformation and viscoelastic relaxation, distributing the pressure evenly without concentrating it on the pipes or cables. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving sealing integrity through material flexibility rather than high compression pressure.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid compression blocks are used, then installation is straightforward, but the system lacks flexibility to handle pressure changes and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical property parameter from rigid to elastomeric, enabling the sealing material to adapt to pressure changes and thermal expansion. The elastomeric material's ability to undergo elastic deformation and stress relaxation allows it to maintain sealing integrity under varying conditions while keeping the installation process simple. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of installation and adaptability to environmental changes.
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 ensures a secure, long-lasting seal with reduced maintenance needs, accommodating various diameters and materials, and providing flexibility to handle pressure changes and thermal expansion without compromising sealing integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an outer plug (15) comprising at least two segmental longitudinal parts (5) which are of an elastic material... providing radial compression and flexibility to securely clamp the transit-unit in place
Implementation Method 2
providing flexibility to handle pressure changes and thermal expansion without compromising sealing integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing assembly for providing in an opening a sealing through which at least one cable, pipe or duct extends is disclosed. The assembly includes a transit-unit of a relatively inflexible material, wherein the transit-unit comprises one or a plurality of conduits extending in a longitudinal direction of the transit-unit. Each conduit is suitable for receiving at least one of the at least one cable, pipe or duct. A method for providing in an opening a sealing system through which at least one cable, pipe or duct extends is disclosed. The method includes providing a transit-unit of a relatively inflexible material, wherein the transit-unit comprises one or a plurality of conduits extending in a longitudinal direction of the transit-unit. Each conduit is suitable for receiving at least one of the at least one cable, pipe or duct.