Dual-Durometer Seal Structure for Misalignment and Uneven Compression

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional compression seals face misalignment issues, leading to uneven compression forces, excessive strain, and potential fractures due to uniform material hardness, which compromises both rigidity and deformability, resulting in ineffective sealing and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A dual durometer sealing element comprising a first elastomeric element with a cavity and a second elastomeric element that floats freely within it, allowing independent deformation and varying hardness to compensate for unbalanced forces and conform to surface irregularities, while protrusions reduce rolling and twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a harder material is used, then stronger support and durability are provided, but fluidity and conformability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport and durabilityVSAvoidfluidity and conformability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal employs a dual-durometer design where the first durometer portion (outer seal) and second durometer portion (inner seal) have different hardness values. The harder portion provides structural support and durability, while the softer portion provides fluidity and conformability to surface irregularities. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is constructed as a composite structure combining two elastomeric materials with different durometer values in a single sealing element. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of both hardness (for support) and softness (for conformability) within the same seal, eliminating the need to compromise between these opposing characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If a softer material is used, then more fluidity and conformability are provided, but rigidity and shape retention are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidity and conformabilityVSAvoidrigidity to retain shape and position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The seal employs a dual-durometer design where the first durometer portion (outer seal) and second durometer portion (inner seal) have different hardness values. The harder portion provides structural support and durability, while the softer portion provides fluidity and conformability to surface irregularities. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is constructed as a composite structure combining two elastomeric materials with different durometer values in a single sealing element. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of both hardness (for support) and softness (for conformability) within the same seal, eliminating the need to compromise between these opposing characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If uniform compression force is applied, then the seal is compressed evenly, but misalignment and rolling occur due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeven compression distributionVSAvoidresistance to rolling and twisting

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal employs a dual-durometer design where the first durometer portion (outer seal) and second durometer portion (inner seal) have different hardness values. The harder portion provides structural support and durability, while the softer portion provides fluidity and conformability to surface irregularities. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 dual durometer design provides improved durability, consistent sealing, and reduced maintenance by allowing independent deformation and varying hardness, effectively managing unbalanced compressive forces and preventing fractures, thus extending the seal's lifespan and maintaining fluid-tight performance.

Implementation Method 1

The first elastomeric element has a length extending along an axis, a first surface facing radially outward with respect to the axis, and a second surface facing radially inward with respect to the axis. The second surface defines a cavity extending along the axis. The second elastomeric element is in the cavity and has a first surface facing radially outward with respect to the axis.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11674596B2Seal with first elastomeric element and second elastomeric element

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 KENNEDY VALVE CO

AI summary

A seal includes a first elastomeric ring and a second elastomeric ring. The first elastomeric ring has an annular cavity, and the second elastomeric ring is in the annular cavity. In another embodiment, a seal includes a first elastomeric element and a second elastomeric element. The first elastomeric element has a length extending along an axis, a first surface facing radially outward with respect to the axis, and a second surface facing radially inward with respect to the axis. The second surface defines a cavity extending along the axis. The second elastomeric element is in the cavity and has a first surface facing radially outward with respect to the axis.