Conductive Fluororesin Valve Element for Static Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid apparatuses using fluororesin materials suffer from static electricity buildup due to friction in the valve element portion, leading to potential resin material breakdown, as conductivity is not effectively imparted to the inner peripheral surface, particularly at the valve hole and valve element interface.
Innovation Solution
A fluid apparatus with a valve element portion made of conductive fluororesin material, containing carbon nanotubes at a specific ratio, is designed to allow static electricity to be conducted and grounded, preventing buildup and breakdown by ensuring the valve element is in contact with a grounding portion, while maintaining the distal end portion non-conductive to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluororesin material is used for the valve element portion, then chemical resistance and stain resistance are improved, but static electricity buildup occurs due to high volume resistivity
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element portion is made of a composite material combining fluororesin (for chemical resistance) with conductive material (such as carbon black, metal powder, or metal flake) dispersed within it (providing conductivity to prevent static electricity buildup while maintaining the base material's chemical resistance properties
Solution Approach 2:
The volume resistivity of the valve element portion is modified by adding conductive materials, changing it from the inherently high resistivity of pure fluororesin (>10^18 Ω·cm) to a controlled range that allows static electricity dissipation while maintaining chemical resistance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conductivity is imparted to the entire valve element portion, then static electricity is removed, but fluid contamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element portion has non-uniform conductivity distribution: the proximal end portion (in contact with fluid flow) maintains high chemical resistance and appropriate conductivity, while the distal end portion (contacting valve seat) uses non-conductive material to prevent contamination, with the conductive material concentrated in specific regions where static electricity dissipation is needed
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conductive material is added to fluororesin, then static electricity conductivity is improved, but manufacturing precision of conductivity distribution becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element portion is divided into functional segments: proximal end portion with conductive fluororesin for static electricity dissipation, distal end portion with non-conductive material for contamination prevention, and intermediate portions with graded conductivity, allowing independent optimization of each region's properties
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 effectively removes static electricity from the fluid flowing through the apparatus, preventing breakdown and contamination, while maintaining sufficient strength and reducing manufacturing costs by using a non-conductive outer casing.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the valve element portion is made of a conductive fluororesin material having a volume resistivity sufficient for allowing static electricity to be conducted
Implementation Method 2
the conductive fluororesin material may contain carbon nanotubes at a ratio of 0.020 weight% or more and 0.030 weight% or less
Implementation Method 3
the valve element portion is conductive with the grounding portion maintained at a ground potential
Implementation Method 4
static electricity generated due to friction with the valve hole and the valve element portion
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a plug device (100) which includes: a body portion (110); and a valve element portion (120). A fluid flow passage (113) is formed in the body portion (110). The fluid flow passage (113) extends along an axis X1, and has a valve hole (115) at one end thereof. The valve element portion (120) is accommodated in the body portion (110) in an advancing and retracting manner along the axis X1. A proximal end portion (122) of the valve element portion (120) is made of a conductive fluororesin material containing a fluororesin material and carbon nanotubes dispersed in the fluororesin material. The proximal end portion (122) is conductive with a conductive member (140) maintained at a ground potential. A volume resistivity of the conductive fluororesin material falls within a range of larger than 1.0×103 Ω·cm and less than 1.0×104 Ω·cm.