Modular Elastomer Line Bushing with Layered Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line bushings face challenges in adapting to varying line dimensions and require complex manufacturing processes for dimensional adjustment, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A line bushing design featuring an elastomer body composed of multiple integral parts with layers that can be tensioned to fit different line dimensions, using a sequence of layers from different elastomer body parts with gaps between them, allowing for easier assembly and adjustment without the need for intricate cutting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individually adapted elastomer bodies are used for different cable diameters, then sealing precision is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer body is divided into a modular structure consisting of a base body and multiple detachable compression elements that can be individually removed or added. This segmentation allows a single base body design to accommodate multiple cable diameters by simply changing the number of compression elements, eliminating the need for multiple individually adapted elastomer bodies for different cable sizes.
2Reliability
If elastomer bodies are compressed to seal against the wall opening, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but mechanical stress on the elastomer body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression elements are designed to be elastically deformable and can be dynamically adjusted during installation. The compression force is applied progressively as elements are added, allowing the elastomer body to adapt to the wall opening without excessive mechanical stress. The elastic properties of the compression elements enable them to absorb and distribute the compressive forces, reducing stress concentrations on the base elastomer body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sequence of layers is used to adapt to different line cross-sections, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression elements are designed as standardized, interchangeable components that can be manufactured using simple, repeatable processes. Each element is a discrete unit with consistent geometry and material properties, allowing for efficient manufacturing and inventory management. The modular design enables adaptability to different line cross-sections without requiring complex multi-layer structures, as elements can be simply added or removed from the base body.
4Reliability
If elastomer bodies are pre-compressed for sealing contact, then sealing performance is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression elements are pre-compressed during the assembly process rather than requiring the entire elastomer body to be pre-compressed. As each element is added to the base body, it is progressively compressed into position, achieving the necessary sealing contact with the wall opening. This progressive compression simplifies assembly compared to pre-compressing a complete elastomer body, as elements can be added in sequence and each automatically compresses to the required degree during installation.
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 design enhances adaptability to various line dimensions, improves sealing efficiency, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces the risk of mechanical stress on elastomer bodies during assembly, while allowing for easy handling and adjustment of layers.
Implementation Method 1
at least two elastomeric body parts, each of which includes a plurality of the layers, are provided with respect to the direction determining the distance from the line, and by a tensioning device for tensioning the elastomeric body and thereby tightly pressing the elastomeric body onto the output
Data Source
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AI summary
The duct (11) has semicircular U-profile sheets or pressing plates (13) and screws (14) for clamping an elastomer body (12) and for sealingly pressing the elastomer body on a line e.g. current line. Elastomer body parts (12a, 12b) are designed as injection molded parts, pressed parts or transfer pressed parts so as to from a sequence of multiple layers in an assembled condition, where the layers surround the line. Neighboring layers belong to different elastomer body parts with respect to different distances of the elastomer body parts to the line.