Composite Elastomer Rigid Sealing Component Creep Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices with elastomer valves suffer from creep and relaxation over time, leading to inefficient sealing, especially under mechanical stress, which compromises the valve's ability to reliably block or release liquid.
Innovation Solution
A sealing component comprising both an elastomer part and a rigid part, where the rigid part distributes stress and prevents deformation of the elastomer, allowing for more consistent and effective sealing by using materials like thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic materials, and a return element like a spring to ensure the sealing component returns to its blocking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing component is made completely from elastomer material, then the device can seal more easily with less stress, but the elastomer exhibits creep and relaxation over time, compromising sealing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component combines an elastomer part with a rigid part to create a composite structure. The elastomer part provides sealing capability while the rigid part prevents creep and relaxation, resolving the contradiction between ease of sealing and long-term sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If high mechanical stress is exerted on an elastomer-only sealing component, then liquid blocking is more effective, but the elastomer deforms or damages, losing stress intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid part of the composite sealing component can withstand high mechanical stress without deforming, while the elastomer part maintains sealing effectiveness. This resolves the contradiction between liquid blocking effectiveness and stress intensity preservation.
3Reliability
If the sealing component is made completely from rigid material, then creep and deformation are prevented, but very high stress must be exerted to achieve sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer part of the composite sealing component enables sealing with lower stress, while the rigid part ensures consistent sealing performance without creep. This resolves the contradiction between sealing consistency and ease of operation.
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 combination of elastomer and rigid parts enhances the sealing performance by reducing creep and deformation, enabling better liquid blocking and release control, allowing for more reliable and efficient dispensing of liquid drops without compromising the sealing integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer part and the rigid part are made from different materials, the elastomer part being more elastic than the rigid part
Implementation Method 2
a return element like a spring to ensure the sealing component returns to its blocking position
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing device including a sealing component which can take up a liquid release position and a liquid blocking position. The sealing component includes an elastomer part and a rigid part, these parts being fastened to each other when moving.