Sheet Pile Seal Tool With Parallel Distribution Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming sheet pile seals with complex profiles, such as those with longitudinally extending seal lips of different cross-sections, often result in incomplete or deformed seals due to uneven material distribution and pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a seal-shaping module and a sealed distribution chamber connected by fine-tuned parallel distribution channels ensures precise control of sealing material flow, allowing for the formation of complex seal profiles by adjusting pressure drops through channels with varying cross-sections and throttle means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If prior art methods are used to form sheet pile seals, then simple seal profiles can be produced, but complex seal profiles with longitudinally extending seal lips of different cross-sections cannot be precisely formed
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into a distribution chamber and multiple separate distribution channels, each channel equipped with independent throttle means. This segmentation allows each channel to be independently adjusted to deliver precise amounts of sealing material to different recesses, enabling complex seal profiles with multiple seal lips of different cross-sections to be formed accurately.
2Manufacturing precision
If sealing material is injected into a central feeding chamber with a seal shaping mandrel, then the seal is formed, but the sealing material bulges at the outlet causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Each distribution channel is equipped with independent throttle means that can be locally adjusted to control the flow rate of sealing material to each recess. This local quality control prevents overfilling and bulging at any specific outlet, ensuring that each seal lip is formed with the correct dimensions and profile without deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single distribution channel is used to supply sealing material to multiple recesses, then the tool is simple, but uneven material distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is segmented into multiple separate distribution channels, each with its own throttle means. This allows independent control of material flow to each recess, ensuring uniform and precise material distribution even when forming seal lips with different cross-sectional areas, while keeping each individual channel relatively simple in structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method and a tool (10) for forming a seal in a lock chamber (3) of a sheet pile are proposed. The method comprises the steps of: introducing a seal forming tool (10) into the lock chamber (3); injecting a sealing material into a distribution chamber (50) of the tool (10) from where it axially fills longitudinally extending recesses (38', 38", 38"') in a seal-shaping module (12); and moving the tool (10) longitudinally through the lock chamber (3), whereby the sealing material is shaped by the seal-shaping module (12). The distribution chamber (50) is a closed chamber inside the tool (10) and. spaced from the longitudinally extending recesses (38', 38", 38"'); and the tool (10) comprises moreover at least two distribution channels (52', 52", 52"') connecting in parallel the distribution chamber (50) to the recesses (38', 38", 38"'), the parallel distribution channels (52', 52", 52"') being fine-tuned for apportioning the flow of sealing material between the recesses (38', 38", 38"').