Polymeric Sealing Element for Narrow Concrete Pavement Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing solutions, such as liquid sealants and solid seals, are inadequate for gaps less than 5 mm between concrete pavements, as they are difficult to insert and maintain due to their design and require trained personnel for application, and existing solid seals with hollow structures struggle to compress and expand effectively in such narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element made of polymeric materials with a solid housing and a plurality of fins that compresses to fit into gaps as narrow as 1 mm, expanding to exert pressure against the pavement walls and prevent water and debris entry, using a fabrication or extrusion process to create a continuous strip that can withstand stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid sealant is used to seal the gap, then the gap can be sealed, but the sealant requires heating to high temperatures (177-204°C) which requires trained personnel and expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high (177-204°C) to ambient temperature application. The sealant is formulated to remain pliable at ambient temperatures through specific polymer composition and plasticizer content, eliminating the need for heating equipment and trained personnel while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, equipment-intensive liquid sealant application with a simpler, more affordable solid sealant bar that can be manually inserted and expanded. This disposable-style approach eliminates the need for expensive heating equipment and specialized training, making the solution accessible for routine maintenance
2Ease of operation
If solid seal with hollow structure is used, then the seal can be compressed and inserted, but it cannot be effectively inserted in gaps less than 5 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a solid sealant bar with flexible polymeric material that can be compressed to very small dimensions and then expands upon insertion. The flexibility allows the sealant to be compressed into gaps as narrow as 1-5 mm, while the expansion capability ensures it fills the entire gap space effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a hollow structure to a solid bar structure that utilizes compression along one dimension (length) to enable insertion, then expands in perpendicular dimensions (width and height) to fill the gap. This dimensional transformation allows effective sealing in narrow gaps where hollow structures fail
3Reliability
If liquid sealant or solid seal is used for gaps of 10-12 mm, then sealing is effective, but these solutions are not suitable for gaps less than 5 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter from liquid or pre-compressed hollow solid to a solid bar that can be compressed on-demand. This allows the same sealant form to adapt to varying gap widths from 1-5 mm by controlling the compression degree during insertion, providing universal applicability across different gap sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability where the sealant bar's compression and expansion behavior adjusts to the specific gap width encountered. The sealant can be compressed to fit narrow gaps (1-5 mm) and expands to fill the space, making it versatile for various gap dimensions unlike static liquid sealant or hollow seal designs
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
Effectively seals gaps between 1 mm to 5 mm, preventing water and debris ingress, and can be easily inserted and expanded to securely grip the pavement surfaces, reducing damage and extending pavement life without the need for specialized personnel or high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The housing is compressed and inserted in a gap provided between the concrete pavements
Implementation Method 2
After insertion, the housing expands toward adjacent walls of the concrete pavements and exerts pressure through the fins against the adjacent walls
Implementation Method 3
The fins and the housing of the sealing element, firmly grip with the adjacent walls of the concrete pavement
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing element (100) for sealing a gap (205) between concrete pavements (S1, S2) is disclosed. The sealing element (100) comprises a housing (105) provided in a solid structure. The sealing element (100) comprises a plurality of fins (110) coupled to the housing (105) at outer surface. The housing (105) is compressed and placed between concrete pavements (S1, S2) having a gap (205) may be in between a range of 1 mm to 5 mm. The housing (105) expands outward and the housing (105) is held against walls (202, 204) of the concrete pavements (S1, S2). The plurality of fins grips are held against walls (202, 204) of the concrete pavements (S1, S2).