Foamable Sealing Element with Automatic Wing Closure for Cavity Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for sealing or reinforcing cavities in vehicles are complex and costly, with difficulties in ensuring a sufficient seal and noise reduction, especially when introducing penetrating elements like hoses, due to irregular cavity shapes and the need for multiple work steps.
Innovation Solution
A sealing or reinforcing element with a wing that automatically closes when a penetrating element is inserted, utilizing a driver mechanism and foamable materials to surround the element, simplifying installation and reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple work steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If penetrating elements are introduced through existing sealing or reinforcing elements, then the cavity can be sealed or reinforced, but the installation process becomes complex and costly with multiple work steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing element and reinforcing element into a single integrated component. The carrier element provides structural reinforcement while the foamable material provides sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing and reinforcing operations and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The element is delivered in a pre-prepared state with the opening in the carrier element ready to receive the penetrating element. The foamable material is already positioned to automatically seal around the penetrating element when it is inserted, eliminating the need for subsequent sealing operations
2Reliability
If penetrating elements are introduced through sealing or reinforcing elements, then the cavity can be sealed or reinforced, but ensuring a sufficient seal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The foamable material automatically seals around the penetrating element through self-expansion when introduced into the carrier element. The sealing action is performed by the material itself rather than requiring external sealing operations, ensuring consistent and sufficient seals
Solution Approach 2:
The foamable material changes its physical state from a compact form to an expanded foam structure when introduced into the carrier element. This parameter change allows the material to automatically conform to and seal around the penetrating element, ensuring sufficient sealing
3Reliability
If irregularly shaped or narrow cavities are sealed or reinforced, then the cavity can be protected, but the process becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The foamable material can be introduced in a compact form and then expands to fill irregularly shaped or narrow cavities. This flexible approach allows the same element design to accommodate various cavity geometries without requiring complex custom-shaped sealing or reinforcing components
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element with the carrier element and foamable material serves multiple functions simultaneously - structural reinforcement, sealing, and noise reduction. This universal solution can be applied to various cavity types and shapes without requiring different specialized components for each application
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces costs, and ensures a secure seal and noise reduction by automatically closing the wing with the driver, effectively addressing the complexities of sealing and reinforcing irregular cavities.
Implementation Method 1
one or more parts (2) made of a foamable material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The sealing and reinforcement component, for insertion into a hollow vehicle or aircraft structural member, has a carrier (1) and a component (2) which can be foamed. An opening (5) holds a tubular element (6) pushed though. The carrier has a wing (4), held in place by a film hinge (7), and the opening is open at one side. The wing is moved by a component as the inserted element is pushed through. The carrier has a fastener (3), especially a clip, to mount the seal/reinforcement in the hollow space.