Labyrinth Seal Covering Device for Electrical Switches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover plates for electrical sockets and switches in wet areas face issues with aging, brittleness, and dirt accumulation due to elastic sealants, leading to leakage and hygiene concerns, while solutions without sealants allow residual liquid ingress.
Innovation Solution
A covering device with a cover holder and movable cover, utilizing a labyrinth seal formed by grooves and ribs to deflect and drain liquid, eliminating the need for elastic sealants and ensuring a tight, age-resistant, and cost-effective seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic sealants are used to prevent liquid ingress, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the sealants age quickly and become brittle leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the elastic sealant from the sealing system entirely. Instead of using a sealant that degrades over time, the solution employs a mechanical labyrinth seal formed by geometric features (grooves and ribs) that provides sealing through physical structure rather than material elasticity, thereby eliminating the aging and brittleness problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the material-based sealing mechanism (elastic sealant relying on its elastic properties) with a geometry-based mechanical sealing system. The labyrinth seal uses precisely formed grooves and ribs that create multiple barriers to liquid ingress, substituting material elasticity with mechanical geometric features.
2Reliability
If elastic sealants are used to prevent liquid ingress, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but dirt accumulation and algae formation occur leading to hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the elastic sealant that creates surfaces for dirt and algae accumulation. By replacing it with a smooth geometric labyrinth seal, there are no crevices or porous surfaces where contaminants can accumulate, thereby eliminating the hygiene problems associated with traditional sealants.
3Ease of operation
If protective edge is added to frame part to eliminate sealant disadvantages, then ease of cleaning is improved, but residual liquid still penetrates into the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-edge protective barrier to a multi-dimensional labyrinthine path. Instead of relying on a simple protective edge, the solution creates a complex three-dimensional sealing path with multiple grooves and ribs that liquid must navigate, dramatically improving liquid tightness while maintaining cleanability.
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 device effectively prevents liquid ingress and foreign body entry, maintaining a reliable seal against dripping, splashing, and jet water while being easy to clean and disinfect, suitable for hygienic and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Spiral springs are usually used to bring about the necessary contact pressure of the cover on the frame part
Implementation Method 2
The deflection means or means, consisting of at least one groove and a rib protruding into this groove, form a 'labyrinth seal'. Several pairs of grooves and ribs can be provided in order to increase the effectiveness of the labyrinth seal. As a result, penetrating liquid is deflected several times and the penetration speed is reduced.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a cover holder (2) comprising a locking unit e.g. collar (21), for a partially enclosed channel, which is ended in a discharge outlet (25) of the cover holder. The discharge outlet discharges a fluid in the surrounding of the covering device. A partially enclosed deflection unit is provided outside the channel with a groove and a rib. The deflection unit deflects the fluid into the channel in a closed condition, where the fluid comes from the surrounding of the covering device. The groove is arranged at the holder, and the rib is arranged at a cover (3).