Resilient Feedthrough Device for Seismic Cable Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices fail to securely hold electrical lines in wall openings, especially during relative movements caused by earthquakes, which can lead to dislodgment and damage.

Innovation Solution

A bushing device with a holding element and an outer frame, where the holding element is resiliently held by spring devices, allowing for absorption of relative movements between the line and the frame, with specific angular arrangements of spring devices for enhanced mobility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fixed rigid mounting is used to hold the line in the wall opening, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device cannot accommodate relative movements during earthquakes causing dislodgment and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidearthquake resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is made resiliently movable within the frame through spring devices, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to seismic movements rather than remaining rigid. This dynamic capability enables the device to absorb relative movements between the wall and line during earthquakes while maintaining holding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring devices change the positional parameter of the holding element relative to the frame, enabling controlled movement in response to external forces. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a fixed state to a mobile state that can accommodate earthquake-induced displacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the holding element is made resiliently movable within the frame using spring devices, then the ability to absorb relative movements during earthquakes is improved, but the structural stability and firm holding capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearthquake resistanceVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring devices are pre-loaded to provide cushioning force that absorbs seismic movements before they can cause damage. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the holding element can move resiliently during earthquakes while maintaining adequate holding force on the line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic resilient structure where the holding element can move within controlled limits defined by the spring devices, achieving both mobility for earthquake resistance and stability for normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple spring devices are arranged at specific angles (45 degrees between longitudinal directions) to maximize mobility of the holding element, then the ease of operation and mobility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility of holding elementVSAvoidspring device arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring devices are arranged asymmetrically at specific angles (45 degrees between longitudinal directions) to optimize mobility in critical directions while maintaining structural balance. This asymmetric arrangement provides enhanced ease of operation for absorbing seismic movements in the most critical directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The spring device system is segmented into multiple independent units arranged at different angles, allowing each spring to handle specific directional movements while collectively providing comprehensive seismic resistance. This segmentation enables optimized mobility without requiring a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 secures electrical lines within the frame, absorbing relative movements and maintaining stability during seismic events, ensuring reliable and earthquake-proof passage of electrical cables.

Implementation Method 1

the holding element is resiliently held by means of at least one spring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The spring devices are preferably resilient spring devices axially along their longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3396799B1Lead through device
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3396799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3396799B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3396799B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a feedthrough device (1) for holding a conduit (2) in a wall opening in a wall (3), in particular a building wall. According to the invention, the feedthrough device (1) comprises a retaining element (10) with a through-hole (20) through which the conduit (2) can be passed, and an outer frame (30) in the interior (31) of which the retaining element (10) is resiliently held by means of at least one spring device (51, 52, 61, 62).