Electromagnetic Seal for Building Module Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of steel building modules without continuous welding at destination sites leaves bolted seams vulnerable to Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), potentially damaging electronic equipment and compromising secure information transmission.

Innovation Solution

A radio-frequency seal comprising a gasket assembly with a wire mesh-wrapped tube and conductive supports, easily installed between building modules to prevent electromagnetic energy leakage, utilizing a metalized tape and adjustable supports to form a Faraday Cage-like seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous welding is used to seal building modules, then electromagnetic energy leakage is prevented, but installation complexity and cost increase due to need for certified welders and specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic sealing effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous welding process is segmented into discrete, pre-fabricated sealing components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled at the destination site. The sealing system is divided into modular elements that simplify installation while maintaining electromagnetic sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary sealing component is introduced between the building modules that provides electromagnetic sealing without requiring direct welding of the modules themselves. This mediator element simplifies the installation process by allowing sealing through alternative means such as mechanical fastening or adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If continuous welding is performed at destination site, then building module seams are sealed against electromagnetic interference, but paint coating is damaged and environmental concerns are violated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidpaint coating damage and environmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The potential harm of welding (paint damage, environmental contamination) is converted into a benefit by using the welding process only during manufacturing under controlled conditions, then replacing it with environmentally friendly mechanical or adhesive sealing methods at the destination site that achieve the same electromagnetic shielding without the harmful side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

A disposable or replaceable sealing component is used at the destination site that provides adequate electromagnetic sealing without the need for permanent welding. This temporary or replaceable element avoids paint damage and environmental harm while maintaining the required shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If bolted connections are used to assemble building modules, then installation ease is improved, but electromagnetic energy can leak through the seams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidelectromagnetic energy leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A composite sealing system is used that combines multiple materials and functions in a single component. This composite structure provides both mechanical sealing and electromagnetic shielding properties, allowing bolted assembly while preventing electromagnetic energy leakage through the seams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing component is designed with local quality variations that provide different functions in different regions. The bolted connection areas provide mechanical sealing while specific localized regions provide electromagnetic shielding, allowing the overall system to achieve both ease of installation and electromagnetic protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 seal effectively reduces or eliminates electromagnetic energy transmission between building modules, protecting sensitive equipment and information while being easy to install and adaptable to site-specific conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday Cage: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10477736B2Electromagnetic energy seal for adjoining building modules

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 ARMAG CORP

AI summary

An electromagnetic seal is provided for preventing the transmission of electromagnetic energy between corresponding walls of adjoining building modules. The seal includes a first support extending inwardly from an end of a first building module, a second support extending inwardly from an end of a second building module, and a gasket assembly compressed between the first support and the second support.