Elastic-Coated Washers for Thermal Expansion and Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Load distribution devices, such as washers, experience issues with thermal expansion and contraction, leading to loosening of joints due to mismatched expansion rates, which results in clamping force reduction or increased forces causing creep and permanent deformation, necessitating retorqueing, which is costly and difficult.

Innovation Solution

Applying an elastic coating material to connector devices, such as washers, to absorb vibrations, resist thermal expansion, and reduce permanent deformation, using materials like elastic polymers, elastomers, and carbon nanotube arrays or sheets to maintain joint stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional load distribution devices are used without elastic coating, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the joint stability deteriorates due to thermal expansion mismatch and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies elastic coating materials (such as elastomers, polymers, or composite materials with elastic properties) to the surface of traditional connector devices. This composite structure combines the structural integrity of the base connector device with the elastic properties of the coating, enabling the device to accommodate thermal expansion differences and absorb vibrations while maintaining joint stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface properties of the connector device by applying an elastic coating with specific elastic modulus and thickness parameters. This changes the mechanical parameters of the connector device to provide elastic compliance, allowing it to deform elastically under thermal and vibrational loads without compromising the overall joint integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connector device is made larger to accommodate elastic deformation, then the elastic range is improved, but the device becomes unwieldly and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic operating windowVSAvoiddevice handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin elastic coating layer applied to the surface of the connector device instead of enlarging the entire device. This thin film approach provides the necessary elastic compliance and extended operating window while maintaining the compact size and ease of handling of the original connector device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If elastic coating material is applied to the connector device, then joint stability and thermal transport are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic coating material as an intermediary layer between the connector device and the joint interface. This coating acts as a mediator that absorbs thermal expansion stresses and vibrations, protecting the joint interface and improving overall joint integrity while allowing the use of standard manufacturing processes for the base connector device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 elastic coating materials enhance joint stability by reducing torque loss, preventing permanent deformation, and improving thermal transport, thereby maintaining joint integrity over time.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic coating material on at least one surface portion of the connector device... the elastic coating material can absorb or dampen vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the bolt material to that of the bar material (e.g. Al or Cu) can create a contrast between the expansion or contraction rate... the elastic coating material can resist thermal expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

the elastic coating material can absorb or dampen vibrations due to electromagnetic field oscillations or due to cyclical mechanical action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20260016043A1Coated connector devices and methods of making and using thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CARBICE CORP

AI summary

Connectors devices having one or more coatings formed of elastic coating materials thereon, as well as methods of making and using thereof are described herein. Such coated connector devices can be used in various applications, such as in forming joints which are subjected to loads and stresses.