Sealing Element Information Element Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sleeves used in microduct technology lack a means to quickly and reliably identify the type of seal installed, which is crucial for determining gas and water tightness and tensile strength, especially during cable installation in confined spaces with limited visibility or accessibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sealing element with a multi-part housing and an information element, such as projections, that provide visual or tactile cues to distinguish between tapered and non-tapered sealing elements, allowing easy identification of the seal type without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no information element is provided on the sealing element, then the sleeve structure remains simple, but it becomes impossible to quickly identify the seal type during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element itself serves as the information carrier through its geometric shape (tapered vs. non-tapered cross-section). The seal type information is embedded in the sealing element's own structure, eliminating the need for separate identification systems while enabling quick visual identification during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric shape variations (tapered vs. non-tapered cross-sections) as visual indicators to differentiate seal types. This shape-based coding system allows installers to quickly identify the correct seal type without disassembly, similar to how color coding conveys information without adding structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the seal cross-section is large to allow cable removal, then cable accessibility is improved, but gas can pass between the pipes compromising tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element's cross-section is segmented into different geometric configurations (tapered vs. non-tapered sections). This segmentation allows the system to offer different sealing behaviors: tapered sections provide gas-tight seals that prevent cable removal, while non-tapered sections allow cable removal but permit gas passage, enabling selection based on specific application requirements.
3Reliability
If the seal cross-section is tapered to prevent gas passage, then gas tightness is improved, but the cable cannot be removed without opening the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element incorporates localized geometric variations in its cross-section (tapered vs. non-tapered regions). These local quality differences create distinct functional zones: tapered regions provide gas-tight sealing that prevents cable removal, while non-tapered regions allow cable access. This allows the same component type to serve different functional purposes based on its specific geometric configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a sleeve (20) with a sealing element (21) for enclosing a cable or cable conduit and a multi-part housing (28) at least partially surrounding the sealing element (21) with an inner cross-section transverse to the cable or cable conduit which is smaller than the cross-section of the sealing element (21) transverse to the cable or cable conduit, wherein the housing (28) is held together by a connecting element (23) which is characterized in that at least a part of the housing (28) has an opening (24) and an information element (25, 26) is arranged on the sealing element (21).