Elastomer Quality Control via Compression Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quality control methods for parts made from filled elastomers, such as rubber, are time-consuming, require skilled personnel, and are not suitable for implementation in production lines due to the need for fixing parts in traction-compression machines, which are expensive and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method that applies only a compressive force to parts made from filled elastomers for quality control, eliminating the need for fixing the parts in a testing machine, allowing for faster compliance determination and enabling unitary quality control in manufacturing lines, using a testing machine with a force application cell, control system, and sensors to measure deformation and force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If parts are fixed in traction-compression machines for quality control testing, then accurate mechanical characteristic measurements can be obtained, but testing time increases significantly and skilled personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential measurement function from the complex traction-compression machine setup. By using only a compression force application device without requiring full traction-compression machine fixation, the patent obtains sufficient mechanical characteristic data while eliminating time-consuming setup procedures and skilled operator requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying the conventional approach of fixing parts in traction-compression machines and applying successive compression and traction forces, the invention inverts the approach by applying only a compressive force without fixation. This reversal maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing testing time and operational complexity.
2Reliability
If traction-compression machines are used for quality control, then comprehensive mechanical testing can be performed, but device cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, energy-intensive traction-compression machines with a simpler, lower-cost compression force application device. This substitution maintains quality control reliability for filled elastomer parts while significantly reducing device cost and energy consumption, making the process suitable for production line integration.
3Measurement precision
If parts are fixed and tested in traction-compression machines, then dynamic mechanical characteristics can be verified, but the process becomes complex and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the testing system to perform self-positioning and self-testing without requiring skilled operators for part fixation and machine operation. The compression force application device automatically applies force to the part, and the system autonomously measures deformation and calculates mechanical characteristics, eliminating the need for qualified personnel.
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
This approach reduces testing time, eliminates the need for skilled operators, and allows for efficient quality control in production lines, achieving results comparable to conventional methods while minimizing energy consumption and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the application of a progressive compressive force on the part
Implementation Method 2
the measurement of the deformation of the part and the compressive force applied
Implementation Method 3
the measurement of the deformation of the part and the compressive force applied
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the quality control of a component at least partially made of elastomer, particularly for a joint, comprising: a) carrying out at least one accommodation cycle on the component, the accommodation cycle involving applying a progressive compression force to the component and progressively releasing the compression force without pulling; b) applying a progressive compression force to the component in quasi static state according to a given component deformation predetermined profile; c) measuring the deformation of the component and the compression force applied while the compression force is applied; d) determining the conformity of the component under a loading other than that of the compression force of step b) from the measurement of the deformation of the component and the compression force applied.