Wall Plug Sealing Structure for Variable Conduit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modular prefabricated building construction, there is a need for an easy-to-assemble and versatile wall plug that can accommodate various installation directions, wall segment structures, and different electrical installation pipe diameters, while ensuring secure sealing and easy installation of electrical installation lines across interfaces between wall segments.
Innovation Solution
A wall plug design featuring a tubular sidewall with a through opening for inserting or passing electrical installation pipes, a collar for surface contact, an inner sealing rib for gas-tight sealing, and latching structures for pipe adapters, along with deformable sealing ribs and fastening ribs to secure the plug in place, allowing for flexible installation and sealing in different orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wall plug is designed with a simple structure for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability and adaptability to different pipe diameters deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing rib is designed to be deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape during installation. When the pipe is inserted, the sealing rib deforms elastically to conform to the pipe surface, ensuring a reliable seal across different pipe diameters without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing rib's cross-sectional shape changes from a first shape (e.g., C-shaped or U-shaped) in the relaxed state to a second shape (e.g., more compressed or expanded) when deformed during installation. This parameter change allows the sealing rib to adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining sealing effectiveness
2Device complexity
If the wall plug structure is simplified for easy assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different installation scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable sealing rib serves multiple functions: it seals against different pipe diameters, accommodates various installation directions (front or rear end insertion), and provides mechanical retention for the pipe. This single component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing rib is made from an elastomeric material that provides flexibility and elasticity, allowing it to deform during installation and then maintain its sealing function. This flexible structure adapts to different geometries without requiring a complex mechanical adjustment system
3Manufacturing precision
If the wall plug uses rigid sealing structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing rib transitions from a rigid, precisely manufactured component to a dynamic, deformable element that adapts during installation. The elastomeric material allows the sealing rib to deform elastically when the pipe is inserted, reducing insertion force requirements while maintaining sealing precision
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 wall plug ensures secure and gas-tight sealing of electrical installation pipes across different orientations and pipe diameters, facilitating easy and variable installation, while requiring less force for insertion and more for removal, thus enhancing the assembly efficiency and reliability in modular construction.
Implementation Method 1
The (inner) sealing rib is designed such that a first force for inserting the electrical installation conduit into the wall plug is smaller than a second force for pulling the electrical installation conduit out of the wall plug
Implementation Method 2
The wall plug can further comprise at least one fastening rib arranged on an outer side of the tubular side wall
Implementation Method 3
The locking structure can be designed to interact with a counter-locking structure of a pipe adapter, wherein the pipe adapter is pushed into the respective end of the tubular side wall of the wall plug for this purpose
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wall plug (1) for installation in a wall opening of a wall segment. The wall plug (1) comprises a tubular side wall (4) extending axially from a front end (7) to a rear end (6), which surrounds a through-opening (5). An inner sealing rib (9) for sealing an electrical installation conduit that can be inserted into the through-opening (5) is arranged between the front and rear ends (7, 6) and in the through-opening (5). A front-facing locking structure (10) for locking a conduit adapter (3) is further arranged between the front end (7) and the inner sealing rib (9) in the through-opening (5), and/or a rear-facing locking structure (11) for locking a conduit adapter (3) is arranged between the rear end (6) and the inner sealing rib (9) in the through-opening (5).