Composite Sealant Rigid Components Mechanical Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint assemblies suffer from slippage and weakened structural integrity due to shifting substrates and deformation of sealing materials, especially under temperature variations, which limits their ability to maintain a strong and sealed connection.
Innovation Solution
A sealant material with a matrix encasing rigid components is applied between two members, forming depressions upon fastening, which creates a mechanical lock and reduces slippage by providing internal tension opposing external compression, while the matrix material seals the joint and prevents corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealant material is used alone to join members, then the joint can be sealed, but the joint suffers from slippage and weakened structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant material is formulated as a composite containing a matrix material (such as polymer or rubber) combined with rigid particles (such as glass beads, metal particles, or ceramic particles). This composite structure allows the sealant to provide both sealing functionality and mechanical interlocking capability, significantly improving slip load resistance while maintaining joint strength
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid particles within the sealant material act as discrete mechanical locks that segment the deformation path. When fastening force is applied, these rigid particles create localized depressions in the overlapping members, forming mechanical interlocks that prevent slippage while the matrix material fills the spaces between particles to provide sealing
2Strength
If rigid components are added to sealant material to prevent slippage, then mechanical lock is formed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding separate rigid mechanical lock components to the sealant, the invention integrates rigid particles directly into the matrix material to form a composite sealant. This approach achieves mechanical locking functionality while maintaining a relatively simple single-material application process, avoiding the complexity of multi-component assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid particles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as mechanical locks to prevent slippage, provide reinforcement to the matrix material, create depression patterns for interlocking, and potentially enhance the sealing capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
3Adaptability or versatility
If sealant material undergoes deformation at elevated temperatures, then the material can accommodate thermal expansion, but the sealing material expels from the joint causing weakened portions
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid particles within the composite sealant maintain their dimensional stability at elevated temperatures while the matrix material deforms to accommodate thermal expansion. This combination allows the sealant to absorb thermal stresses without expelling from the joint, as the rigid particles provide a structural framework that retains the deformed matrix material within the joint
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant material is designed with specific thermal properties where the matrix material has a coefficient of thermal expansion matched to the joined members, and the rigid particles have high thermal stability. This parameter optimization allows the material to accommodate thermal expansion through controlled deformation without expelling from the joint, maintaining sealing integrity at elevated temperatures
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 significantly increases the slip load resistance, maintaining the joint's position and preventing corrosion, with slip load forces enhanced by up to 300% compared to joints without rigid components, and bondlines formed upon activation provide effective sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a depression is formed by plastic deformation in both the first and second connection regions by the rigid components
Implementation Method 2
a compressive force is applied to the exterior surface of both the first and second connection regions by the one or more fasteners while the rigid components apply an internal tension force acting opposite of the compression force
Implementation Method 3
The first and second members are joined upon an application of force that is applied through the use of one or more fasteners thereby displacing the sealant material to allow direct contact between the rigid components and both internal surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving joint strength between a first and second member comprising the steps of: applying a sealant material including a matrix material at least partially encasing rigid components to the first and second members; joining the first and second members upon an application of force that is applied through the use of one or more fasteners; wherein a compressive force is applied to the exterior surface of both the first and second members by the one or more fasteners while the rigid components apply an internal tension force acting opposite of the compression force to the interior surface of both the first and second members proximate to the fastener to form a mechanical lock thereby reducing slippage and generally maintaining the joint in position.