Sealed Pass-Through Clamping Element for Variable Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for sealing and clamping long molded parts through openings are limited by small, variable clamping areas, making them unsuitable for parts with a wide range of diameters, and lack ease of assembly and pre-assembly options.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a multi-part sealing and clamping element with axially displaceable parts and a pressure contour that changes geometry radially upon axial displacement, allowing for adjustable diameters through a cap nut or pressure screw mechanism, enabling secure sealing and clamping of parts with varying diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single sealing device with fixed clamping area is used, then the device structure is simple, but it can only handle long molded parts with a narrow diameter range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediameter range of clamped partsVSAvoidstructure of sealing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is divided into multiple axially displaceable parts (first part and second part) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the clamping area to be adjusted by changing the axial position of the parts, enabling the device to accommodate long molded parts with different diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device incorporates dynamic elements including axially displaceable parts and a pressure contour that can be adjusted along the axial direction. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its clamping area to different diameter requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple alternative devices are provided for different clamping areas, then various diameter ranges can be covered, but the device variety and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping area coverageVSAvoidnumber of different devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is designed with multi-functional capability through its axially displaceable parts and adjustable pressure contour. A single device can perform multiple functions by adjusting the axial position of the pressure contour and the relative positions of the sealing parts, eliminating the need for multiple alternative devices for different diameter ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a nested structure where the second part of the sealing element can be positioned within or alongside the first part, and the pressure contour can be adjusted within the housing. This nesting allows for compact storage of multiple configuration states within a single device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sealing element is made of multiple axially displaceable parts, then the clamping area can be adjusted, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable clamping areaVSAvoidassembly of sealing element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing parts are designed with pre-formed geometries and integrated features (such as the pressure contour already formed on the housing and the sealing parts with built-in engagement features) that facilitate straightforward assembly. The axial displacement mechanism is pre-configured to allow easy adjustment without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If a pressure contour is used to axially displace the sealing parts, then the mechanism is simple, but the force distribution may be uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism for axial displacementVSAvoiduniformity of force distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure contour is designed with specific geometric features that concentrate or distribute pressure locally at critical contact points with the sealing parts. This localized pressure optimization ensures uniform force distribution and even deformation of the sealing elements, maintaining manufacturing precision while using a relatively simple axial displacement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables secure sealing and clamping of long molded parts with different diameters using a single device, with easy assembly and pre-assembly, and provides a cost-effective solution for various diameter applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first change in geometry essentially of the at least one first part transversely to the direction of displacement, for example radial change in diameter, is achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a further change in geometry transverse to the direction of displacement, for example a radial change in diameter, of the sealing and / or clamping element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3488133B1Device for the sealed passing-through of an elongate part
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 PFLITSCH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3488133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3488133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3488133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for the sealed closing of an opening, between a passage opening through a wall or an insertion opening in a wall, and a sealing and/or clamping element inserted into the opening, wherein the sealing and/or clamping element consists of at least two interacting parts, which are axially displaceable relative to one another, and of a pressure contour acting axially on said multi-part sealing and/or clamping element, and wherein, by means of a first axial displacement of the pressure contour, an axial displacement of at least one of the at least two interacting parts of the sealing and/or clamping element relative to the at least one other part of the sealing and/or clamping element and a first change in the geometry of the at least one other part, for example a radial change in the diameter, transverse to the displacement direction, are achieved, and by means of a further axial displacement of the pressure contour, a further change in the geometry of the sealing and/or clamping element consisting of at least two interacting parts, for example a radial change in diameter, is achieved, transverse to the displacement direction.