Self-Piercing Plug for Electrical Sheaths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for sealing electrical conduits in building construction are restrictive and impractical, particularly when dealing with flexible and corrugated ducts, as they require complex manipulation and may not adapt well to varying numbers of wires or site conditions.
Innovation Solution
A plug with a self-piercing zone made of self-healing elastic material and a deformable outer ring that fits into corrugations, allowing easy installation by sliding over wires and applying pressure to secure the plug, ensuring airtight sealing without the need for preformed end pieces or heat-shrink tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plugs are inserted by force into corrugated flexible sheaths while sliding along electric wires, then sealing is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and restrictive requiring triple manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a deformable zone in its second wall that allows dynamic adaptation during installation. This deformable portion can elastically deform to match the corrugated profile of the sheath, enabling the plug to be inserted by simple pushing motion without complex manipulation, while still achieving reliable sealing against the sheath exterior
Solution Approach 2:
The plug utilizes material parameter changes through its self-healing elastic material in the self-piercing zone. The material can reversibly change its mechanical properties - becoming more compliant during insertion and then recovering its original form to maintain sealing, thus simplifying installation while ensuring sealing quality
2Ease of operation
If preformed sheath end pieces are used, then installation is simplified, but adaptability to varying numbers of wires and changing installation conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design combines multiple functions in a single component: the self-piercing zone handles wire penetration regardless of wire count or positioning, the deformable zone adapts to various sheath corrugation patterns, and the bearing zone ensures proper positioning. This universal design allows the same plug to adapt to varying installation conditions and wire configurations
3Reliability
If heat-shrink tubing end pieces are used, then sealing is achieved, but the need for heating tools creates constraints difficult to manage on construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal mechanism of heat-shrink tubing with a purely mechanical solution. The deformable zone provides mechanical adaptation and sealing through elastic deformation and friction engagement with the sheath corrugations, eliminating the need for heating tools and making the installation process much more suitable for construction site conditions
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 plug provides a practical and effective seal for electrical sheaths, allowing easy installation and adaptation to different sheath diameters, reducing air leakage and condensation issues while simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
the self-piercing zone is distributed uniformly around the longitudinal axis and is made of a self-healing elastic material which, once pierced, tightens around the wire and when the wire is withdrawn retracts to reassure the sealing
Implementation Method 2
The stopper comprises a second wall of annular shape integral with the first cylindrical wall and extending towards the outside of said stopper in a radial direction, said second wall comprising a bearing zone intended to bear against the external cylindrical edge of an electrical sheath
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The manhole (1) has a frame (2) coupled to a gully defined by a space (2a) of a roadway and a space (2b) interrupting a curb. A grid (3) is articulated on the frame and located at height of the roadway. A cover (4) is articulated on the frame and located at height of the curb. The grid covers the space of the roadway and the space interrupting the curb. The grid is partially covered by the cover. The grid and the cover are articulated on a same side (5) of the frame to leave remaining sides of the frame to be free in an opening position.