Reusable Sealing Element With Composite Pipe and Clip Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing solutions, such as ADE 50/100, are limited by high CO2 emissions and energy consumption, and have high leak rates, are UV-unresistant, and prone to breakage, making them unsuitable for frequent reuse and cost-effective applications.

Innovation Solution

A sustainable sealing system utilizing an aluminum composite pipe with a PE-LD coated aluminum pipe and a reversibly connectable clip-on valve or clip-clip pipe connection, allowing for multiple refills and reinstallation without pressure capsules, and featuring a clip valve quick-connection for easy air filling and evacuation, with a guaranteed total leak rate of <2.7 mbar/year.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure capsule filled with CO2 is used to seal the perforation in the sealing cushion, then the sealing effect is achieved, but the device becomes single-use only and generates high CO2 emissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the disposable pressure capsule system with a reusable aluminum composite pipe system. The sealing cushion without pre-filled CO2 capsules can be repeatedly filled and sealed, eliminating the single-use limitation while maintaining reliable sealing through the reusable valve connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables recovery and reuse of the sealing system components. Instead of discarding the entire sealing assembly after one use, the aluminum composite pipe with valve can be recovered, refilled with CO2 or air, and reused multiple times, significantly reducing waste and emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of manufacture

If a PE tube with self-filling gel is used to seal the perforation, then the sealing function is provided, but the system has high leak rates and is prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidleak rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an aluminum composite pipe with PE-LD coating as a multi-layer composite structure. This composite material combines the strength and rigidity of aluminum with the flexibility and sealing properties of PE-LD, creating a system that is both durable and leak-resistant, overcoming the limitations of single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If the sealing element is designed for single use, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but the cost increases significantly for frequent reapplications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system transitions from a static single-use design to a dynamic reusable system. The aluminum composite pipe with reversible valve connection allows the system to be repeatedly assembled, disassembled, refilled, and reinstalled, providing adaptability for frequent reapplications while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the PE filling hose is used for pressure filling, then the filling process is simple, but the hose has UV instability and high breakage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling processVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The aluminum composite pipe with PE-LD coating provides superior UV resistance and mechanical strength compared to pure PE hoses. The composite structure maintains ease of operation for pressure filling while dramatically improving durability and resistance to environmental degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system enables multiple uses of the sealing element, reduces costs, and ensures reliable gas and water tightness, with the clip valve connection remaining plugged for pressure adjustments and cable/pipe reassignments, extending the lifespan of the sealing system.

Implementation Method 1

when the pipe is squeezed to reliably prevent the transmission of gas through the filler piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

pressure filled with a pump/compressor and evacuating protective pipes or building inlets/ducts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

smoke and water transfer up to a water column of 5 m is achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4488559A1Reusable sealing element
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 WOLF ROLAND
  • EP4488559A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488559A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4488559A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a reusable sealing element for joints, cable penetrations and building entry/entry points formed with an aluminum composite pipe 3, namely an aluminum pipe coated on the outside with PE-LD with and without an inner PE-LD pipe, which is formed with a mechanically reversible connectable push-on valve connection 9, to reliably prevent the passage of gas through the filling piece 3, which is arranged at the end of the aluminum composite pipe, in the squeezed state of the pipe 2.