Integrated Vibro Seal Structure for Stable Concrete Pipe Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing elements for concrete pipes lack sufficient rigidity to endure automatic insertion procedures and are prone to shifting during vibration, leading to potential leaks and cracks due to human error and vibration-induced instability.

Innovation Solution

A sealing element comprising a rubber base section with horizontal grooves and multiple prong type retainer portions, combined with a separate polymer support section featuring horizontally aligned tubular cavity sections, which provides additional structural rigidity and absorbs vibrations, allowing for precise positioning and stable integration during pipe production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-piece sealing element is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks sufficient rigidity to endure automatic insertion procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing element structureVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is divided into two distinct sections: a base section made of rubber material and a support section made of polymer material. The support section provides the necessary rigidity for automatic insertion, while the base section maintains sealing flexibility. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by combining materials with different mechanical properties in a single integrated element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element uses composite construction with two different materials: rubber for the base section and polymer for the support section. This composite approach allows the sealing element to simultaneously exhibit the flexibility needed for sealing and the rigidity required for automatic insertion, eliminating the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If vibration method is used to fill grout gaps, then the bond between pipe and sealing element is strengthened, but the sealing element shifts position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support section is designed to absorb vibrations before they can cause the sealing element to shift. By incorporating this vibration-dampening component beforehand, the element remains stable during the grout filling process while still achieving strong bonding through the vibration method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If manual positioning of sealing element is used, then positioning is possible, but human error causes shifting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning methodVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support section acts as an intermediary that facilitates precise positioning during automatic insertion. Its rigid structure guides the sealing element into the correct position, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If additional support is added to prevent shifting during vibration, then structural integrity is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsealing element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is merged into the sealing element itself through the integrated support section. Rather than adding a separate support component, the design incorporates vibration-absorbing and positioning functions directly into the sealing element's structure, maintaining reliability while avoiding increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution minimizes seal detachment and vibration effects, ensuring a sturdy bond between the pipe and sealing element, enabling precise automatic insertion and reducing the risk of leaks and cracks, while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

it also minimises the vibration effect via absorbing the vertical vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a vibration method is used to make the grout fill all the gaps between the concrete and the prong type retainer portions of the sealing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3567291B1Integrated vibro seal

Publication Date: 2024.12.11 SECIL KAUCUK SANAYI VE TICARET AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a sealing element used for sealing wastewater concrete pipes and shafts in relation to each other.