A bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus

Abstract

This utility model discloses a device for adjusting the local hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheets, including a support platform, a heating plate, a support structure, and a power module. The heating plate is disposed on the upper side of the support platform. The device further includes: a compression array plate, which is fixed above the heating plate by the support structure and has multiple independent pressure heads on its lower side. The pressure heads are arranged in a matrix, and each pressure head can extend and retract independently in the vertical direction and is equipped with an independent pressure adjustment mechanism; and an intelligent control module, which is powered by the power module and configured to drive the pressure heads to work through the pressure adjustment mechanism according to set pressure parameters. The device for adjusting the local hardness of ePTFE sheets provided by this utility model can locally, reversibly, and dynamically adjust the hardness of ePTFE sheets through a dual mechanism of mechanical compression and thermal energy regulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of performance regulation technology of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) materials, and in particular to a device for adjusting the local hardness of ePTFE sheets. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of medical technology, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) materials, due to their unique porous structure and excellent physicochemical properties, are widely used in medical implants, sealing elements, and other fields. In existing technologies, the hardness control of ePTFE sheets is mainly achieved through heat treatment involving the application of uniform pressure and a fixed time after multiple layers are stacked. For example, in the fabrication process of ePTFE facial implants, multiple layers of films need to be stacked and then subjected to overall pressure for shaping.

[0003] However, such methods have several problems. First, there is a lag in adjustment; pressure and time parameters must be preset and cannot be dynamically adjusted during the preparation process, making it difficult to adapt the hardness distribution to complex requirements. Second, there is insufficient uniformity; applying pressure throughout the sheet can easily cause hardness differences in different areas, resulting in a lack of localized fine-tuning capabilities. Third, there is irreversibility; traditional mechanical compression may cause permanent collapse of the material's pore structure, making reversible adjustment difficult. Furthermore, existing technologies lack active intervention methods for the microstructure; relying solely on mechanical pressure or heat treatment makes it difficult to achieve efficient and precise hardness control.

[0004] Therefore, providing a device that can locally, reversibly, and dynamically adjust the hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheets during preparation or application has become an urgent problem to be solved in the industry. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the current expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet hardness adjustment technology, this utility model provides an ePTFE sheet local hardness adjustment device, which can finely adjust the local hardness of ePTFE sheet.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this utility model adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] A device for adjusting the local hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheets includes a support platform, a heating plate, a support structure, and a power module. The heating plate is disposed on the upper side of the support platform. The device for adjusting the local hardness of ePTFE sheets also includes:

[0008] A compression array plate, which is fixed above the heating plate by the support structure and has multiple independent pressure heads on its lower side. The pressure heads are arranged in a matrix, and each pressure head is equipped with an independent pressure adjustment mechanism so that each pressure head can be individually extended and retracted in the vertical direction.

[0009] An intelligent control module, which is powered by the power module and configured to drive the pressure head to work through the pressure regulating mechanism according to the set pressure parameters.

[0010] According to one aspect of this utility model, a pressure sensor is provided inside the pressure head to acquire a pressure value and transmit it to the intelligent control module.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heating plate is provided with a first heating element and a first temperature sensor, and the intelligent control module controls the temperature of the heating plate and maintains a constant temperature through the first heating element and the first temperature sensor.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support structure includes a support frame and an adjusting valve, the support frame is fixed to the upper side of the support platform, the adjusting valve is disposed on the top of the support frame, and the compression array plate is fixed to the lower end of the adjusting valve.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the regulating valve includes a nut and a threaded hole that mates with the nut, the threaded hole being disposed on the top of the support frame, and the nut having a nut head, the height of the compression array plate in the vertical direction being adjustable by rotating the nut head.

[0014] According to one aspect of this utility model, a hardness sensor is provided inside the pressure head to obtain the hardness value of the surface of the expanded sheet and transmit it to the intelligent control module.

[0015] According to one aspect of this utility model, the pressure head is provided with a second heating element and a second temperature sensor, and the intelligent control module controls the temperature of the pressure head and maintains a constant temperature through the second heating element and the second temperature sensor.

[0016] According to one aspect of this utility model, the pressure regulating mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric push rod.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet local hardness adjustment device further includes a remote controller, which is wirelessly connected to the intelligent control module.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the surface of the support platform is made of a flexible material to accommodate the micro-deformation of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet.

[0019] The advantages of this invention are as follows: First, through the synergistic effect of the pressure head matrix and the thermal energy unit, hardness adjustment in millimeter / micrometer-level areas can be achieved, enabling precise and controllable setting of local hardness to meet the stringent requirements of medical implants for gradient hardness. Second, real-time detection and automatic correction functions avoid the lag of traditional processes, significantly improving the first-pass yield and thus greatly reducing the scrap rate. Third, through the dual mechanisms of mechanical compression and thermal energy regulation, the adjustment time is shortened compared to traditional processes, and multi-region parallel adjustment is supported, making it suitable for mass production and personalized customization scenarios. Finally, the adjustment process does not damage the overall structure of the sheet, and hardness recovery can be achieved through reverse pressure or heating, meeting the requirements for material reuse and being compatible with various expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) materials, thus having a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for adjusting the local hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] The first embodiment of this novel invention:

[0024] Figure 1 This invention demonstrates a device 100 for adjusting the local hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheets, comprising a support platform 101, a power module, a heating plate 102, a support structure 105, a compression array plate 103, and an intelligent control module 200.

[0025] Here, the power module converts the externally input alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) suitable for the various modules inside the expanded sheet local hardness adjustment device 100 and adjusts the voltage value to the required voltage level.

[0026] The support platform 101 contains a power module (not shown in the figure), which has a main switch (not shown in the figure). The main switch can be located on the side or top of the support platform 101 for easy operation. The power module is also equipped with a power indicator light to indicate its power-on status. It can be understood that the power module converts the externally input AC power into the current type and voltage level required by the various modules (including the intelligent control module 200) and electrical components in this device 100.

[0027] A heating plate 102 is disposed on the upper side of the support platform 101 and located in the middle of the support platform 101. The heating plate integrates a first heating element and a first temperature sensor. Both the first heating element and the first temperature sensor are electrically connected to the intelligent control module 200. The intelligent control module 200 can drive the first heating element to operate, thereby controlling the temperature of the heating plate 102. The first temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the heating plate 102 and transmit the signal to the intelligent control module 200. The intelligent control module 200 can set the temperature of the heating plate 102 to a preset value based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and by controlling the start / stop and power of the first heating element. In this embodiment, the first heating element can be a resistance wire or a heating tube, etc., and the first temperature sensor can be a thermistor, platinum resistance thermometer, or thermocouple, etc.

[0028] In this embodiment, based on the actual requirements for the hardness of expanded sheet forming, the heating temperature of the heating plate 102 is controlled within the range of room temperature to 100°C.

[0029] The support structure 105 includes a support frame and a regulating valve. The support frame is fixed on the upper side of the support platform 101 and located symmetrically on both sides of the support platform 101. The regulating valve is located on the top of the support frame, and the compression array plate 103 is fixed at the lower end of the regulating valve.

[0030] In this embodiment, the support structure 105 includes a left support rod, a right support rod, and a crossbar disposed between the left and right support rods. The left and right support rods are fixed to the upper side of the support platform 101 and are symmetrically positioned. The regulating valve includes a nut 106 and a threaded hole that mates with the nut 106. The threaded hole is located in the middle of the crossbar. The nut 106 has a circular nut head 107. In use, the height of the compression array plate 103 in the vertical direction can be adjusted by rotating the nut head 107, thus initially positioning the compression array plate 103 and the heating plate 102.

[0031] Meanwhile, the top of the compression array plate has a threaded hole, and the compression array plate 103 can be fixed to the lower end of the regulating valve by screwing the nut 106 into the threaded hole.

[0032] The compression array plate has multiple independent pressure heads 104 arranged in a matrix. Each pressure head 104 is equipped with an independent pressure regulating mechanism to allow each pressure head 104 to extend and retract independently in the vertical direction. Simultaneously, the intelligent control module 200 can independently control the pressure regulating mechanism in each pressure head 104. The pressure regulating mechanism drives the extension and retraction of the pressure head 104, thereby applying pressure to the expanded sheet material on the heating plate 102. Thus, by setting the pressure value of each pressure head 104 through the intelligent control module 200, precise setting and adjustment of the pressure value in different areas of the expanded sheet material can be achieved. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating mechanism can be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric actuator. The working principles of hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and electric actuators will be briefly introduced in the following sections:

[0033] Hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic oil as a medium. A hydraulic pump converts the mechanical energy of the motor into the pressure energy of the hydraulic oil, which is then delivered to the hydraulic cylinder via pipelines and control valves. This pressure drives the piston to produce linear motion, thereby outputting thrust. The pressure is regulated by the relief valve of the hydraulic system, and the displacement is controlled by flow control or displacement sensor feedback.

[0034] The cylinder uses compressed air as a medium. Compressed air is generated by an air compressor, and the airflow direction is controlled by a solenoid valve, which pushes the piston to move linearly within the cylinder, outputting thrust. The pressure is adjusted by a pressure reducing valve, and the displacement is detected by a limit switch or a magnetic sensor.

[0035] An electric linear actuator uses a motor to drive a lead screw (such as a trapezoidal lead screw or a ball screw) to rotate, converting rotational motion into linear motion and outputting thrust. The magnitude of the pressure (thrust) is controlled by adjusting the motor current or torque, while displacement is precisely controlled by an encoder or limit switch.

[0036] It is understood that, to facilitate user input of control parameters, the intelligent control module 200 has a user interface. During use, the user can input the device's control parameters through this user interface. These parameters include the operating temperature of the heating plate 102, the pressure value and duration applied by each pressure head 104 on the compression array plate 103, etc. Through the user interface, the user can set the local hardness of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet in zones and complete the hardness shaping process through the intelligent control module 200.

[0037] To further facilitate user operation, in this embodiment, the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet local hardness adjustment device 100 also provides a remote control (not shown in the figure). Meanwhile, the intelligent control module 200 integrates a signal receiving module, which is powered by a power supply module. The remote control is battery-powered and compatible with the signal receiving module. The signal receiving module receives wireless signals sent by the remote control, converts them into electrical signals, and transmits them to the intelligent control module 200. The intelligent control module 200 then performs corresponding operations based on the received electrical signals. Of course, the operation functions of the intelligent control module 200 via the remote control are the same as those of the user interface.

[0038] In this embodiment, each pressure head of the compression array plate 103 is equipped with a pressure sensor, which is connected to the intelligent control module 200. This connection can be wired; the cable can be located inside the compression array plate 103 and connected to the inside of the support platform 101 via the nut 106 and the internal pipe of the support frame 5, and then connected to the intelligent control module 200.

[0039] The pressure sensor can detect the pressure applied to the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet by the pressure head 104 in real time and transmit the pressure value to the intelligent control module 200 as an electrical signal. The intelligent control module 200 compares the pressure values ​​of each pressure head 104 transmitted by the pressure sensor with the preset pressure values ​​of each pressure head 104, and adjusts the pressure values ​​of each pressure head 104 through the pressure regulating mechanism, thereby maintaining the pressure values ​​of the pressure head 104 at a constant state to ensure that the hardness values ​​of each area of ​​the ePTFE sheet are accurately set.

[0040] In this embodiment, based on the actual requirements for the hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet forming, the pressure of each pressure head on the compression array plate 103 is controlled within the range of 1N-50N.

[0041] Meanwhile, the surface of the support platform 101 is made of a flexible material to accommodate the micro-deformation of the expanded sheet material, thereby improving the molding effect.

[0042] When the equipment is in operation, firstly, the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet is placed on the heating plate 102. Then, the compression array plate 103 is adjusted to the corresponding position by rotating the nut head 107, at which point the pressure heads 104 on the lower side of the compression array plate 103 are in contact with the surface of the ePTFE sheet. Next, the temperature of the heating plate 102 and the pressure values ​​of the pressure heads 104 on the compression array plate 103 are set through the user interface of the intelligent control module 200 or the remote control. Finally, the control module 200 controls the operation of the first heating element to ensure that the temperature of the heating plate reaches and is maintained at the preset value. Simultaneously, the intelligent control module 200 drives the pressure heads 104 through the pressure regulating mechanism to apply different pressures to different areas of the ePTFE sheet and maintain a constant pressure. Thus, after molding, different areas of the ePTFE sheet will have different hardness values ​​to meet the gradient hardness requirements of medical implants.

[0043] The second embodiment of this novel invention:

[0044] To further enhance the forming effect of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheets, this embodiment provides a device for adjusting the local hardness of ePTFE sheets to achieve better forming results. The specific solution is as follows:

[0045] Each pressure head of the compression array plate 103 is equipped with a hardness sensor, and all hardness sensors are connected to the intelligent control module 200. Similar to the pressure sensors, the hardness sensors can also be connected via wires, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0046] In this embodiment, the hardness sensor can detect the hardness value of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet surface in real time and transmit this value as an electrical signal to the intelligent control module 200. The intelligent control module 200 can compare this signal with a preset hardness value and automatically adjust the pressure value and duration of the indenter 104 to ultimately achieve precise molding of different areas of the ePTFE sheet. Of course, the hardness sensor can also work in conjunction with the pressure sensor. By adaptively adjusting the pressure value of the indenter 104, the intelligent control module 200 can reach the preset hardness value more quickly, resulting in a higher and better hardness molding effect.

[0047] During operation, the intelligent control module 200 can set the hardness parameters of each region of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet corresponding to each pressure head 104 on the compression array plate 103 via a user interface or remote control. The intelligent control module 200 can maintain the hardness index of each region of the ePTFE sheet at the predicted value by using the preset pressure value of the pressure head 104 and combining it with the pressure application time. Of course, the intelligent control module 200 can also automatically adjust the pressure value and pressure application time of the pressure head 104 through an adaptive adjustment mode to achieve faster and more efficient molding results.

[0048] The third embodiment of this utility model:

[0049] To further enhance the forming effect of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheets, the third embodiment provides a device for adjusting the local hardness of ePTFE sheets that can be heated on both sides and achieves better forming results. The specific solution is as follows:

[0050] Each pressure head 104 of the compression array plate 103 is equipped with a second heating element and a second temperature sensor.

[0051] Both the second heating element and the second temperature sensor are electrically connected to the intelligent control module 200. The intelligent control module 200 can drive the second heating element to operate, thereby controlling the temperature of the pressure head 104. The second temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the corresponding pressure head 104 and transmit the signal to the intelligent control module 200. Based on this signal, the intelligent control module 200 can set the temperature of the corresponding pressure head 104 to a preset value by controlling the start / stop and power of the second heating element. In this embodiment, the second heating element can be a resistance wire or a heating tube, etc., and the second temperature sensor can be a thermistor, platinum resistance thermometer, or thermocouple, etc.

[0052] In this embodiment, based on the actual requirements for the hardness forming of expanded sheet material, the heating temperature range of each pressure head 104 of the compression array plate 103 is controlled between room temperature and 100°C.

[0053] When the equipment is working, the intelligent control module 200 can set the temperature of each pressure head 104 on the compression array plate 103 through the user interface or remote control. The control module 200 controls the start-up or power of the second heating element to make the temperature of the corresponding pressure head reach and maintain at the preset value. In this way, both sides of the expanded sheet can be heated simultaneously when pressure is applied. Compared with single-sided heating, the hardness forming time of different areas of the expanded sheet is shorter, and the forming effect is better due to the more uniform temperature.

[0054] The advantages of this invention are as follows: First, through the synergistic action of the pressure head matrix and the thermal energy unit, hardness adjustment in millimeter / micrometer-level areas can be achieved, enabling precise and controllable setting of local hardness to meet the stringent requirements of medical implants for gradient hardness. Second, real-time detection and automatic correction functions avoid the lag of traditional processes, significantly improving the first-pass yield and thus greatly reducing the scrap rate. Third, through the dual mechanisms of mechanical compression and thermal energy regulation, the adjustment time is shortened compared to traditional processes, and it supports parallel adjustment of multiple areas, making it suitable for mass production and personalized customization scenarios. Finally, the adjustment process does not damage the overall structure of the sheet, and hardness recovery can be achieved through reverse pressure or heating, meeting the requirements for material reuse and being compatible with various expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) materials, thus having a wide range of applications. In summary, the local hardness adjustment device for ePTFE sheets of this invention has broad industrial application value.

[0055] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for adjusting the local hardness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet, comprising a support platform (101), a heating plate (102), a support structure (105), and a power module, wherein the heating plate (102) is disposed on the upper side of the support platform (101), characterized in that, The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet local hardness adjustment device also includes: A compression array plate (103) is fixed above the heating plate (102) by the support structure (105) and has multiple independent pressure heads (104) on its lower side. The pressure heads (104) are arranged in a matrix, and each pressure head (104) is equipped with an independent pressure adjustment mechanism so that each pressure head (104) can extend and retract in the vertical direction independently. The intelligent control module (200) is powered by the power module and configured to drive the pressure head (104) to work through the pressure regulating mechanism according to the set pressure parameters.

2. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The pressure head (104) is equipped with a pressure sensor to obtain the pressure value and transmit it to the intelligent control module (200).

3. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The heating plate (102) is provided with a first heating element and a first temperature sensor. The intelligent control module (200) controls the temperature of the heating plate (102) and maintains a constant temperature through the first heating element and the first temperature sensor.

4. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The support structure (105) includes a support frame and a regulating valve. The support frame is fixed on the upper side of the support platform (101), the regulating valve is located on the top of the support frame, and the compression array plate (103) is fixed at the lower end of the regulating valve.

5. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The regulating valve includes a nut (106) and a threaded hole that mates with the nut. The threaded hole is located on the top of the support frame. The nut (106) includes a nut head (107). The height of the compression array plate (103) in the vertical direction can be adjusted by rotating the nut head (107).

6. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The pressure head (104) is equipped with a hardness sensor to obtain the hardness value of the surface of the expanded sheet and transmit it to the intelligent control module (200).

7. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The pressure head (104) is equipped with a second heating element and a second temperature sensor. The intelligent control module (200) controls the temperature of the pressure head (104) and maintains a constant temperature through the second heating element and the second temperature sensor.

8. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The pressure regulating mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric push rod.

9. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet local hardness adjustment device also includes a remote controller, which is wirelessly connected to the intelligent control module (200).

10. The bulked sheet local stiffness adjustment apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The surface of the support platform (101) is made of a flexible material to accommodate the micro-deformation of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sheet.

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