Pipe Segment Sealing Profile With Low-Friction Sliding Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for pipe segments, particularly in concrete pipe construction, face challenges in facilitating easy assembly and maintaining a sealing effect while minimizing friction, which can lead to misalignment and manufacturing deviations due to projections used for sealing.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system with a profile body featuring a load distribution area and a sealing area, including a sliding layer that reduces friction, allowing easy sliding of pipe segments and providing a durable sealing solution without complex constructions or additional substances like silicone bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a projection is added to the sealing system to seal the cavity between segments, then the sealing effect is improved, but the friction between segments increases making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into functionally distinct regions: a sealing region with projections that seal the cavity between segments, and a sliding region without projections that reduces friction during assembly. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing system are given different local properties: the sealing region has projections for effective sealing, while the sliding region has a smooth surface for reduced friction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary sealing effect only where needed while maintaining ease of assembly in other areas.
2Reliability
If a projection is added to seal the cavity, then the sealing effect is improved, but the handling and alignment of segments on the construction site becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into functionally distinct regions: a sealing region with projections that seal the cavity between segments, and a sliding region without projections that reduces friction during assembly. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing system are given different local properties: the sealing region has projections for effective sealing, while the sliding region has a smooth surface for reduced friction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary sealing effect only where needed while maintaining ease of assembly in other areas.
3Ease of operation
If a complex design with gel-like substances or pocket designs is used to provide sliding properties, then the sliding effect is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex gel-like substances or pocket designs by using a simple smooth surface in the sliding region. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the essential sliding function through the basic principle of reduced surface friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface parameter (roughness) in the sliding region to create a smooth surface that provides sliding properties. This simple parameter change replaces complex designs and substances, reducing device complexity while maintaining the desired sliding effect.
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 sliding layer enables smooth assembly and alignment of pipe segments, reduces wear and friction, and ensures effective sealing between segments, improving the fit and durability of the sealing system.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing system can have a sliding layer at least in sections, so that the sealing system has lower friction in a region with the sliding layer than in a region without the sliding layer
Implementation Method 2
The load distribution region can be designed to absorb a load on a first side thereof and to evenly distribute it on an opposite second side
Implementation Method 3
The sealing area can be elastically deformable. This allows the sealing area to adapt particularly well to two adjacent pipe segments
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sealing system (1) for pipe segments (14, 15) is provided, wherein the sealing system (1) is designed as a profile body extending along a profile direction, the sealing system (1) having a cross-section extending transversely to the profile direction, the cross-section extending in a first direction and a second direction orthogonally oriented thereto, and comprising: a load distribution area (2), and a sealing area (3), wherein the sealing system (1) has at least a section of a sliding layer (5), such that the sealing system (1) exhibits lower friction in an area with the sliding layer (5) than in an area without the sliding layer (5). Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a sealing system (1) is provided.