Rigid Rib Flange Sealing Tunnel Box Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flange designs for tunnel boxes fail to provide a perfect airtight and moisture-tight seal at a lower cost, as they often rely on elastic seals which are costly and prone to material deformation.
Innovation Solution
A flange design featuring non-elastic, rigid ribs projecting outwardly from the insertion wall, which penetrate the recess of the tunnel box to form an airtight and moisture-tight barrier, with geometries such as rounded, upturned V, or U-sections to ensure intimate contact and sealing without material cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic seals are used to prevent air penetration, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive elastic seals with a simple rigid rib structure that is molded directly into the flange. This rib acts as a disposable sealing element that is integrated into the plastic flange itself, eliminating the need for separate elastic seal components and reducing both material and manufacturing costs while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function with the structural flange by molding the rib directly into the flange body during the same manufacturing process. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components and their associated installation steps, reducing both manufacturing complexity and installation costs while ensuring consistent sealing performance.
2Reliability
If elastic seals are used to prevent air penetration, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the structural flange by molding the rib directly into the flange body during the same manufacturing process. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components and their associated installation steps, reducing both manufacturing complexity and installation costs while ensuring consistent sealing performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid ribs are used instead of elastic seals, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the rib with specific geometric features (rounded cross-section, particular dimensions) at the sealing interface. The rib has a diameter between 5-15mm and a rounded cross-section that allows it to deform locally and conform to the recess, creating an effective seal against air and moisture penetration despite being made of rigid material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rib to optimize sealing performance. The rib has a diameter between 5-15mm, a rounded cross-section, and specific height and thickness dimensions that allow it to effectively seal the recess. These parameter optimizations ensure that the rigid rib can deform sufficiently to create an airtight and watertight seal.
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 flange design achieves a cost-effective, airtight and moisture-tight seal by penetrating the recess material without deforming it, improving thermal performance and reducing installation costs compared to traditional elastic seal methods.
Implementation Method 1
The rib penetrates the wall of the recess without cracking it by deforming it regularly to maintain intimate contact, providing a tight barrier.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a side panel (100) for closing a lateral end face (210) of a tunnel box (200). The side panel comprises a closing plate (110) for application to said end face, extended perpendicularly by an insert wall (120) designed to fit into a recess (E) running longitudinally through the tunnel box, at the point where the recess opens through said end face. According to the invention, at least one inelastic rib (124) projects externally from the insert wall (120), positioned parallel to the closing plate (110). This rib extends continuously around the perimeter of the insert wall (120). During the mounting of the side panel on the tunnel box, this rigid rib penetrates the recess in the tunnel box and forms an airtight and moisture-proof barrier. The manufacturing and installation cost is lower than a cheek piece with an elastic seal.