Elastomeric components and devices and methods including elastomeric components

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Elastomer Components and Apparatus and Methods Including Elastomer Components." An elasomer component comprises an elasomer material with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5%, and the elasomer component is a three-dimensional solid. An assembly includes an outer barrier, at least one elasomer component, and a curable material. A method includes inserting the elasomer component and the curable material into the outer barrier to form the assembly and heating the assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to elastomeric components, apparatus including elastomeric components, and methods including elastomeric components. Background Technology

[0002] Composite components made of curable materials typically require specialized manufacturing machines and processes. For example, composite components are often cured using autoclaves. The geometry of the composite component can create further manufacturing difficulties. For instance, creating cavities within the composite component increases manufacturing complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses an elastomeric component, an apparatus including the elastomeric component, and a method including the elastomeric component. In some instances, the elastomeric component is composed of an elastomeric material with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5%, and the elastomeric component is a three-dimensional solid.

[0004] Examples of components include an external barrier, at least one elastomeric component, and a curable material.

[0005] Examples of methods include inserting an elastomeric component and a curable material into an external barrier to form an assembly and heating the assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view representing the elastomeric component of the device.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a schematic top view representing elastomeric materials and particles.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a schematic top view showing elastomeric components and curable materials.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a schematic top view showing the curable material and the internal cavity.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the particles and pores in an elastomer material.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method including forming components and heating components. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This invention discloses elastomeric components, apparatus including elastomeric components, and methods including elastomeric components. Generally, in the drawings, elements that may be included in a given example are indicated by solid lines, while optional elements in a given example are indicated by dashed lines. However, elements shown by solid lines are not essential to all examples of this disclosure, and elements shown by solid lines may be omitted from certain examples without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of elastomer components, equipment, and elastomer materials. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of elastomer components, equipment, and elastomer materials are shown below. Figure 2-5 This is explained in the text. Where appropriate, Figure 1 The reference numbers in the diagram are used to indicate Figure 2-5 The corresponding part of the instance; however, Figure 2-5 The instances are non-exclusive and do not limit elastomeric components, devices, and elastomeric materials to [specific categories]. Figure 2-5 The embodiments shown are not limited to those described above. That is, the elastomer components, devices, and elastomer materials are not limited to those described above. Figure 2-5 In specific embodiments, elastomer components, devices, and elastomer materials may be incorporated into the reference. Figure 1 Schematic diagram and / or Figure 2-5 The embodiments and variations thereof illustrate and discuss any number of aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc., of the elastomeric components, devices, and elastomeric materials, without necessarily including all of them. For the sake of brevity, each component, part, section, aspect, region, etc., or its variations discussed above may not be referred to again. Figure 2-5 Examples are discussed, illustrated, and / or labeled; however, within the scope of this disclosure, the features, variations, etc., discussed above may be related to... Figure 2-5 Use it together with instances.

[0014] Elastomer components can be used to manufacture composite components containing curable materials. For example, an elastomeric component can be disposed within a curable material to form an assembly, and the assembly is heated to cure the curable material. After curing, the elastomeric component can be removed, leaving an internal cavity within the cured material. Further components can then be manufactured using the elastomeric component.

[0015] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the elastomeric component 10 includes an elastomeric material 12 with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5%, wherein the elastomeric component is a three-dimensional solid.

[0016] Figure 5 An example of an elastomer material 12 is schematically shown, wherein the air volume fraction (AVF) is formed by pores 40 in the elastomer material 12. In one example, the elastomer material 12 is a siloxane. In another example, the elastomer material 12 is rubber. Figure 5 In this example, pore 40 includes trapped gas that forms the AVF air volume. Air volume fraction (AVF) in this document refers to the volume fraction of all components contained within a given volume. Figure 5 In the example, AVF is the volume fraction of gas trapped in the pores 40 within a given volume. Figure 5The given volume will include the elastomer material 12, particles 42, and pores 40. In other words, AVF is the gas volume fraction within the total volume. The term air volume fraction (AVF) is commonly used and includes the word "air," but the gas constituting the gas volume is not necessarily air; other gases can also be used for the gas volume. For example, particles 42 can be filled with nitrogen, which is released when particles 42 are heated.

[0017] Figure 5 An example of pores 40 distributed throughout the elastomeric material 12 is depicted. In another example, the pores 40 are uniformly distributed throughout the elastomeric component 10, giving the elastomeric component 10 isotropic compressive stiffness. The distribution of the pores 40 is influenced by the manufacturing method of the elastomeric component 10. Figure 6 An example of preparing the elastomeric component 10 includes mixing particles 42 containing trapped gas into an elastomeric material 12, followed by heating the mixture. This method distributes the particles 42 throughout the elastomeric material 12, thereby forming pores 40.

[0018] Examples of particles 42 consist of particulate material containing a certain volume of gas. Further examples of particles 42 are configured to release gas into pores 40 when the particles 42 are heated. Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates particles 42 occupying a relatively small volume within pores 40, indicating that particles 42 previously contained a certain volume of gas released from particles 42 into pores 40. In one example, particles 42 are composed of plastic foam, and the plastic foam contains up to 98% by volume gas. When the plastic foam is heated, the gas is released from particles 42, forming pores 40 within the elastomeric material 12.

[0019] Further examples of granules 42 consist of materials that shrink after the gas is released from granules 42 or do not otherwise substantially contribute to the mechanical properties of the elastomeric component 10. One example of granules 42 consists of foam and / or foam residue (which has been heated). Other examples of granules 42 consist of porous materials. Other examples of granules 42 consist of plastics. An example of plastic granules 42 is a hollow sphere.

[0020] The air volume fraction (AVF) of the elastomer component 10 alters the mechanical properties of the elastomer material 12. In one example, the bulk modulus of the elastomer component 10 containing more than 5% AVF is lower than that of the elastomer material 12 without an air volume fraction. Furthermore, controlling the amount of AVF during the formation of the elastomer component 10 allows for control over the mechanical properties of the elastomer component 10. In one example, increasing the AVF of the elastomer component 10 reduces the bulk modulus of the elastomer component 10. In other words, incorporating more gas into the elastomer material 12 can reduce the bulk modulus of the resulting elastomer component 10. Using particles 42 as a gas carrier allows for control over the amount of AVF in the elastomer component 10. Examples of elastomer components 10 have AVF in the range of 5-50%, 15-25%, or 17-25%.

[0021] Examples of elastomeric components 10 may form part of component 100. An example of component 100 includes an outer barrier 30, at least one elastomeric component 10, and a curable material 20. The at least one elastomeric component 10 is composed of an elastomeric material 12 with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5%, and the elastomeric component is a three-dimensional solid. The elastomeric component 10 of component 100 may be any type of elastomeric component 10 disclosed herein.

[0022] Figure 1 An example of an outer barrier 30 completely surrounding the elastomeric component 10 and the curable material 20 is depicted. A further example of the outer barrier 30 is a pressure vessel to withstand pressure generated during heating of the curable material 20 and the elastomeric component 10. Examples of the outer barrier 30 are made of steel or other metals. Figure 1 An example of an external barrier 30 is depicted, which includes a first component 32 and a second component 34, and the first component 32 and the second component 34 are fastened together to form a pressure vessel. Figure 1 An example is further depicted where the elastomeric component 10 and the curable material 20 are arranged between and / or within the first component 32 and the second component 34. In this example, the first component 32 and the second component 34 are fastened together to form a pressure vessel before the assembly 100 is heated. Forming a pressure vessel allows compaction pressure to be generated within the outer barrier 30 during heating 204 of the assembly 100. Examples of compaction pressures generated range from 15-1200 psi (PSI), 25-200 PSI, 50-150 PSI, or 75-125 PSI.

[0023] One or more elastomeric components 10 and curable material 20 may have many different arrangements in the assembly 100. Figure 1An example is depicted, comprising three elastomeric components 10, 10', and 10'' disposed within a curable material 20. A portion of the curable material 20 is disposed between two elastomeric components 10. A portion of the curable material 20 is also disposed between the elastomeric components 10 and an external barrier 30. Figure 3 A top view of an assembly 100 comprising five elastomeric components 10 and a curable material 20 is depicted. Figure 3 The curable material 20 is arranged between the elastomer components 10 and between the elastomer components 10 and the external barrier 30.

[0024] An example of the elastomer component 10 is arranged within the cavity of the curable material 20. Figure 1 An elastomeric component 10 is depicted within the cavity 50 of the curable material 20. In a further example, after curing, the elastomeric component 10 is removed from the curable material 20, leaving the cavity 50 intact. Figure 1 The example further depicts component 100, which includes an elastomeric component 10 arranged to form a cavity 50 within a curable material 20, wherein one end of the cavity 50 is open to the outside of the curable material 20. The cavity 50 being open to the outside of the curable material 20 allows for the removal of the elastomeric component 10 after curing. Figure 4 A top view depicting the curable material including the inner cavity 50 is shown. Figure 4 The internal cavity 50 within the component, formed by the cured curable material 20, is further depicted. (Comparison) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, an inner cavity 50 is formed around the elastomer component 10. The inner cavity 50 can be used to reduce the weight of components composed of curable materials.

[0025] Conventional manufacturing of composite materials typically uses reinforcing structures to support areas of the curable material. Reinforcing elements are generally used to stabilize voids within the curable material. The example of component 100 does not include reinforcing structures. In other words, the example of component 100 does not include any structure other than the curable material 20 and the elastomeric component 10. The elastomeric component 10 provides support for the curable material 20 during the curing process.

[0026] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a non-exclusive example of a method according to this disclosure is provided schematically. Figure 6 In the diagram, some steps are shown in dashed boxes, indicating that these steps may be optional or may correspond to optional versions of the methods according to this disclosure. That is, not all methods according to this disclosure need to include the steps shown in solid boxes. Figure 6The methods and steps shown are not limiting, and other methods and steps are also within the scope of this disclosure, including methods with more or fewer steps than those shown, as can be understood from the discussion herein.

[0027] Figure 6 An example of method 200 is depicted, which includes inserting an elastomeric component and a curable material into an outer barrier 202 to form an assembly (e.g., the elastomeric component 10, curable material 20, outer barrier 30, and assembly 100 disclosed herein), and heating the assembly 100 204. The elastomeric component of method 200 can be any elastomeric component 10 disclosed herein. The assembly of method 200 can be any of the assemblies 100 disclosed herein.

[0028] As described above, the elastomeric component 10 can be disposed within the cavity 50 of the curable material 20. One example of heating the 204 component 100 is to cure the curable material 20, which causes the curable material to solidify and harden. Examples of heating the 204 component 100 include heating the component 100 to a temperature in the range of 70-350 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The elastomeric component 10 can then be removed, leaving the cavity 50 within the cured curable material 20.

[0029] As discussed above with reference to component 100, the heating component generates pressure within component 100. Therefore, an example of forming component 100 includes fastening the first component 32 and the second component 34 together to form a pressure vessel before heating component 100 204.

[0030] The elastomeric component 10 can also be used with multiple components 100, including a curable material 20. For example... Figure 6 As shown, an example of reusing the elastomeric component 222 includes removing the elastomeric component 10 224 from the first curable material 20', inserting the elastomeric component 10 and the second curable material 20'' into the outer barrier 30 226 to form a second component 100', and heating the second component 100' 228. In this way, the elastomeric component 10 can be used to form a plurality of components including the curable material 20.

[0031] Figure 6 Examples of method 200 may also include placing component 100 206 within housing 60 and removing gas from housing 60 206 before heating component 100. Many examples of the curable material 20 use vacuum curing. Vacuum may help to extract air from the curable material.

[0032] like Figure 6As shown, an example of method 200 may further include preparing 212 elastomeric component 10. In one example, preparing 212 elastomeric component 10 includes mixing 214 particles 42 with elastomeric material 12 and heating 216 particles 42 and elastomeric material 12. Figure 2 An example is depicted where elastomeric material 12 and granules 42 are mixed in mold 16. Heating 216 of the granules 42 and elastomeric material 12 causes the elastomeric material forming the elastomeric component 10 to solidify. The elastomeric component 10 can then be used in assembly 100, such as... Figure 3 Examples of this are as follows. As discussed above, particles 42 have an AVF (airflow-free surface area), and gas is released into pores 40. Heating 216 or 204 of assembly 100 may cause particles 42 to release trapped gas into pores 40. Examples of particles 42 containing more than 50% AVF are as follows, prior to heating 216 of particles 42 and elastomeric material 12 or heating 204 of assembly 100.

[0033] Examples of heating component 204 100 generate compaction pressure within the external barrier 30. Examples including the curable material 20 and the elastomeric component 10 expand upon heating but are constrained by the external barrier 30 (generating pressure). The AVF of the elastomeric component 10 reduces the generated compaction pressure. As previously described, in examples of the elastomeric component 10, increasing the AVF of the elastomeric component 10 reduces its bulk modulus. An elastomeric component 10 with a lower bulk modulus within the component will reduce the generated compaction pressure. Examples of compaction pressure generated within the external barrier 30 range from 15 to 1200 PSI.

[0034] Traditional curing techniques, such as autoclaves, use an external source to apply pressure to the curing material. Examples of component 100 and method 200 do not include applying an external pressure source to component 100.

[0035] The following paragraphs describe illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the inventive subject matter according to this disclosure: A. An elastomeric component (10) comprising the following: Elastomer materials with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5% (12), The elastomeric component (10) is a three-dimensional solid.

[0036] A1. The elastomeric component (10) according to paragraph A, wherein the AVF is formed by pores (40) within the elastomeric component (10), and wherein the pores (40) include trapped gas.

[0037] A2. The elastomeric component (10) according to paragraph A1, wherein the pores (40) are distributed throughout the elastomeric component (10).

[0038] A3. The elastomeric component (10) described in any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the pores (40) are uniformly distributed throughout the elastomeric component (10), such that the elastomeric component (10) has isotropic compressive stiffness.

[0039] A4. The elastomeric component (10) according to any one of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the pores (40) comprise particles (42).

[0040] A4.1. The elastomeric component (10) according to paragraph A4, wherein the particles (42) consist of foam or foam residue.

[0041] A4.2. The elastomeric component (10) described in any of paragraphs A4-A4.1, wherein the particles (42) are composed of particulate material containing a certain volume of gas.

[0042] A4.3. The elastomeric component (10) according to any one of paragraphs A4-A4.2, wherein the particles (42) are composed of plastic.

[0043] A4.4. The elastomeric component (10) according to any one of paragraphs A4-A4.3, wherein the particles (42) are configured to release gas into the pores (40) upon heating.

[0044] A5. The elastomeric component (10) described in any of paragraphs A-A4.4, wherein the elastomeric material (12) is a silicone.

[0045] A6. The elastomeric component (10) according to any one of paragraphs A-A5, wherein the AVF is in the range of 5-50%.

[0046] A6.1 The elastomeric component (10) according to any one of paragraphs A-A5, wherein the AVF is in the range of 15-25%.

[0047] A6.2 The elastomeric component (10) according to any one of paragraphs A-A5, wherein the AVF is in the range of 17-25%.

[0048] A7. The elastomeric component (10) described in any of paragraphs A-A6.2, wherein the bulk modulus of the elastomeric component (10) is less than the bulk modulus of the elastomeric material (12) without the AVF.

[0049] A7.1. The elastomeric component (10) described in any of paragraphs A-A6.2, wherein increasing the AVF of the elastomeric component (10) reduces the bulk modulus of the elastomeric component (10).

[0050] B. A component (100) comprising: External barrier (30); At least one elastomeric component (10) as described in paragraphs A-A7.1; and Curable materials (20).

[0051] B1. The component (100) according to paragraph B, wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) comprises two elastomeric components (10), and wherein at least a portion of the curable material (20) is disposed between the two elastomeric components (10).

[0052] B2. The component (100) according to any one of paragraphs B-B1, wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) is arranged to form an inner cavity (50) within the curable material (20), and wherein one end of the inner cavity (50) is open to the outside of the curable material (20).

[0053] B3. The component (100) according to any one of paragraphs B-B2, wherein the curable material does not include reinforcement.

[0054] B4. The component (100) according to any one of paragraphs B-B3, wherein the outer barrier (30) completely surrounds the at least one elastomeric component (10) and the curable material (20).

[0055] B4.1. The component (100) according to paragraph B4, wherein the outer barrier (30) is fastened together to form a pressure vessel, and wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) and the curable material (20) are arranged within the pressure vessel.

[0056] C. A method (200) comprising: The elastomeric component (10) and the curable material (20) described in any of paragraphs A-A7.1 are inserted (202) into the outer barrier (30) to form the assembly (100); and Heat (204) the component (100).

[0057] C1. The method (200) according to paragraph C, wherein the curable material (20) is a first curable material (20'), and the method (200) further includes reusing (222) the elastomeric component (10), wherein the reusing (222) includes: Remove (224) the elastomeric component (10) from the first curable material (20'); The elastomeric component (10) and the second curable material (20'') are inserted (226) into the outer barrier (30) or the second outer barrier (30') to form the second component (100'); and Heating (228) the second component (100').

[0058] C2. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C1, wherein the elastomeric component (10) is a first elastomeric component (10'), further comprising a second elastomeric component (10''), and wherein the curable material (20) is disposed between the first elastomeric component (10') and the second elastomeric component (10'').

[0059] C3. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C2 further includes placing (206) the component (100) in the housing (60) and removing (206) the gas from the housing (60) before heating (204) the component (100).

[0060] C4. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C3, wherein heating (204) the component (100) heats the component (100) to a temperature in the range of 70-350 degrees Fahrenheit (F).

[0061] C5. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C4, wherein the external barrier (30) comprises a first component (32) and a second component (34), wherein the elastomeric component (10) and the curable material (20) are disposed between the first component (32) and the second component (34), and wherein forming the assembly (100) comprises fastening the first component (32) and the second component (34) together prior to heating (204) the assembly (100).

[0062] C6. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C5 further includes preparing (212) the elastomeric component (10), wherein forming (212) the elastomeric component (10) comprises: Mix the particle (42) with the elastomer material (12) (214); The particles (42) and the elastomer material (12) are heated (216).

[0063] C7. The method (200) according to paragraph C6, wherein the particles (42) contain more than 50% AVF before heating (216) the particles (42) and the elastomer material (12) or heating (204) the component (100).

[0064] C7.1. The method (200) according to paragraph C7, wherein air is released into the pores (40) during heating (216) the particles (42) and the elastomeric material (12) to form the elastomeric component (10).

[0065] C8. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C7.1, wherein during heating (204) of the component (100), compaction pressure is generated within the outer barrier (30).

[0066] C8.1 The method (200) according to paragraph C8, wherein increasing the AVF of the elastomeric component (10) reduces the resulting compaction pressure.

[0067] C8.2 The method (200) described in any of paragraphs C8-C8.1, wherein the resulting compaction pressure is in the range of 50-200 pounds per square inch (PSI).

[0068] C9. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C8.2, wherein the component (100) is not affected by a pressure source outside the external barrier (30) at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0069] C10. The method (200) according to any one of paragraphs C-C9, wherein the component (100) is the component (100) according to any one of paragraphs B-B4.1.

[0070] D. The use of the component (100) curing material as described in any of paragraphs B-B4.1.

[0071] Specifically, this application includes the following provisions: Clause 1. An elastomeric component (10) comprising: Elastomer materials with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5% (12), The elastomeric component (10) is a three-dimensional solid.

[0072] Clause 2. The elastomeric component (10) according to Clause 1, wherein the AVF is formed by pores (40) within the elastomeric component (10), and wherein the pores (40) include trapped gas.

[0073] Clause 3. The elastomeric component (10) according to Clause 2, wherein the pores (40) are uniformly distributed throughout the elastomeric component (10) such that the elastomeric component (10) has isotropic compressive stiffness.

[0074] Clause 4. The elastomeric component (10) according to Clause 2, wherein the pores (40) comprise particles (42), and wherein the particles (42) are composed of particulate material containing a volume of gas.

[0075] Clause 5. The elastomeric component (10) as described in Clause 1, wherein the AVF is in the range of 15-25%.

[0076] Clause 6. The elastomeric component (10) according to Clause 1, wherein the bulk modulus of the elastomeric component (10) is less than the bulk modulus of the elastomeric material (12) without the AVF.

[0077] Clause 7. The elastomeric component (10) according to Clause 1, wherein increasing the AVF of the elastomeric component (10) reduces the bulk modulus of the elastomeric component (10).

[0078] Clause 8. A component (100) comprising: External barrier (30); Curable materials (20); and At least one elastomeric component (10), said at least one elastomeric component (10) being composed of the following: Elastomer materials with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5% (12), The elastomeric component (10) is a three-dimensional solid.

[0079] Clause 9. The component (100) according to Clause 8, wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) comprises two elastomeric components (10), and wherein at least a portion of the curable material (20) is disposed between the two elastomeric components (10).

[0080] Clause 10. The component (100) according to Clause 8, wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) is arranged to form an inner cavity (50) within the curable material (20), and wherein one end of the inner cavity (50) is open to the outside of the curable material (20).

[0081] Clause 11. The component (100) according to Clause 8, wherein the outer barrier (30) completely surrounds the at least one elastomeric component (10) and the curable material (20).

[0082] Clause 12. The component (100) according to Clause 8, wherein the AVF is formed by pores (40) within the elastomeric component (10), wherein the pores (40) include trapped gas and particles (42), and wherein the particles (42) are composed of plastic.

[0083] Clause 13. The component (100) according to Clause 8, wherein the elastomeric material (12) is a siloxane.

[0084] Clause 14. A method (200) comprising: An elastomer component (10) and a curable material (20) are inserted (202) into an outer barrier (30) to form an assembly (100), wherein the elastomer component (10) is composed of an elastomer material (12) with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5%; and Heat (204) the component (100).

[0085] Clause 15. The method (200) according to Clause 14, wherein the curable material (20) is a first curable material (20'), and wherein the method (200) further comprises reusing (222) the elastomeric component (10), wherein the reusing (222) comprises: Remove (224) the elastomeric component (10) from the first curable material (20'); The elastomeric component (10) and the second curable material (20'') are inserted (226) into the outer barrier (30) or the second outer barrier (30') to form (226) the second component (100'); and Heating (228) the second component (100').

[0086] Clause 16. The method (200) according to Clause 14 further includes placing (206) the component (100) in the housing (60) and removing gas from the housing (60) before heating (204) the component (100).

[0087] Clause 17. The method (200) according to Clause 14, wherein the external barrier (30) comprises a first component (32) and a second component (34), wherein the elastomeric component (10) and the curable material (20) are disposed between the first component (32) and the second component (34), and wherein forming (202) the assembly (100) comprises fastening the first component (32) and the second component (34) together prior to heating (204) the assembly (100).

[0088] Clause 18. The method (200) according to Clause 14, wherein the AVF is formed by pores (40) within the elastomeric component (10), wherein the pores (40) include trapped gas and particles (42), wherein during heating (204) of the component (100) or heating (216) of the elastomeric material (12) and the particles (42), the particles (42) release air into the pores (40).

[0089] Clause 19. The method (200) according to Clause 14, wherein during heating (204) of the component (100), compaction pressure is generated within the outer barrier (30).

[0090] Clause 20. The method (200) according to Clause 19, wherein increasing the AVF of the elastomer component (10) reduces the compaction pressure.

[0091] As used herein, the terms “suitable” and “configured” mean that an element, component, or other subject matter is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms “suitable” and “configured” should not be construed as meaning that a given element, component, or other subject matter is merely “capable” of performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed specifically for performing that function. Elements, components, and / or other stated subjects described as suitable for performing a particular function may additionally or optionally be described as configured to perform that function, and vice versa, also within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, subjects described as configured to perform a particular function may additionally or optionally be described as operable to perform that function.

[0092] As used herein, the term “and / or” placed between the first entity and the second entity means (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) one of the first and second entities. Multiple entries listed with “and / or” shall be interpreted in the same manner as “one or more” of the entities thus combined. Optionally, other entities may exist besides those expressly identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related to or unrelated to those expressly identified entities. Thus, as a non-restrictive example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “includes”, a reference to “A and / or B” may in one instance refer only to A (optionally including entities other than B); in another instance refer only to B (optionally including entities other than A); and in yet another instance refer to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, etc.

[0093] The various disclosed elements and method steps of the apparatus disclosed herein are not essential to all apparatuses and methods according to this disclosure, which includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Furthermore, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define an independent inventive subject matter separate from the overall disclosed apparatus or method. Therefore, such inventive subject matter does not need to be associated with the specific apparatus and method explicitly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may find utility in apparatuses and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An elastomer component (10) comprising: Elastomer materials with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5% (12), The elastomeric component (10) is a three-dimensional solid.

2. The elastomeric component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the AVF is formed by pores (40) within the elastomeric component (10), and wherein the pores (40) include trapped gas.

3. The elastomeric component (10) according to claim 2, wherein the pores (40) are uniformly distributed throughout the elastomeric component (10), such that the elastomeric component (10) has isotropic compressive stiffness.

4. The elastomeric component (10) according to claim 2, wherein the pores (40) comprise particles (42), and wherein the particles (42) are composed of particulate material containing a volume of gas.

5. The elastomeric component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the AVF is in the range of 15-25%.

6. The elastomeric component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the bulk modulus of the elastomeric component (10) is less than the bulk modulus of the elastomeric material (12) without the AVF.

7. The elastomeric component (10) according to claim 1, wherein increasing the AVF of the elastomeric component (10) reduces the bulk modulus of the elastomeric component (10).

8. A component (100) comprising: External barrier (30); Curable materials (20); and At least one elastomeric component (10), said at least one elastomeric component (10) being composed of the following: Elastomer materials with an air volume fraction (AVF) greater than 5% (12), The elastomeric component (10) is a three-dimensional solid.

9. The component (100) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) comprises two elastomeric components (10), and wherein at least a portion of the curable material (20) is disposed between the two elastomeric components (10).

10. The component (100) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one elastomeric component (10) is arranged to form an inner cavity (50) within the curable material (20), and wherein one end of the inner cavity (50) is open to the outside of the curable material (20).

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