Temporary Elastomeric Barrier Membrane for Fluid Check Valve Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-sealing fluid check valves in fluid canisters and cartridges face leakage issues due to pressure differentials during transport, handling, and temperature changes, and existing solutions require separate manufacturing and manual removal of barrier membranes, which can damage the valves.
Innovation Solution
A temporary elastomeric functional barrier membrane is formed directly on the fluid check valve using a second elastomer with a photoinitiator, applied as a solution and cured with UV light, creating a continuous layer over the seal opening portion to enhance sealing without additional mechanical devices or high-temperature processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate barrier membrane is manufactured and applied to the fluid check valve, then the sealing performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier membrane is merged with the sealing member by forming it directly on the sealing member surface. The elastomeric material is applied as a coating that cures to form an integrated barrier layer, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations. This integration maintains reliable sealing while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier membrane is formed preliminarily on the sealing member before the valve is assembled into the final product. This preliminary formation ensures the barrier is already in place and properly positioned, eliminating the need for separate application steps during final assembly and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate barrier membrane is applied to the fluid check valve, then leakage prevention is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to manual removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier membrane is designed to be self-removing through its elastic properties. When the sealing member deforms during normal operation or assembly, the elastic barrier membrane automatically detaches without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual removal steps and improves ease of manufacture while maintaining leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier membrane is designed as a temporary protective element that is discarded after serving its purpose. Once the valve is assembled and the sealing member deforms, the barrier membrane automatically detaches and can be discarded, allowing the valve to function normally. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating manual removal requirements.
3Reliability
If a barrier membrane is positioned behind the fluid check valve and pierced by a probe, then the sealing is improved, but the check valve may be damaged or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful piercing action is extracted and replaced by a non-contact sealing mechanism. The barrier membrane forms a continuous protective layer on the sealing member surface without requiring physical penetration. This eliminates the risk of damaging or distorting the check valve while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier membrane is implemented as a flexible thin film that conforms to the sealing member surface. This flexible film provides effective sealing through its continuous coverage without requiring rigid structures or piercing mechanisms, thereby protecting the check valve from damage while maintaining sealing integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing members are used without additional barrier layers, then the manufacturing process is simple, but pressure differentials cause leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is enhanced by combining the base sealing material with an elastomeric barrier membrane coating. This composite structure integrates the pressure-resistant properties of the base material with the sealing enhancement of the elastomeric layer, providing reliable sealing under pressure differentials while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through direct formation on the sealing member.
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 differential pressure required to open the valve, preventing leakage and maintaining a fluid-tight seal until intentionally ruptured, while maintaining flow rates similar to untreated valves.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier membrane includes a photoinitiator, such as an iodonium salt or benzophenone, which aids in the photodynamic curing of the second elastomer after application upon the first
Implementation Method 2
evaporating the solvent from the applied solution
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid check valve incorporating a temporary elastomeric functional barrier membrane, the check valve having a sealing member comprising a first elastomer and a barrier membrane comprising a second elastomer, different from the first elastomer, disposed directly upon the surface of the sealing member so as to form a continuous layer over at least a seal opening of the sealing member. The barrier membrane may include a photoinitiator and coagent which aids in the ultraviolet (UV) curing of the second elastomer after application upon the first. The barrier membrane may applied as a solution of monomers, photoinitiator, and optional coagent, the solvent evaporated, and the deposited solutes exposed to ultraviolet so as to form the barrier membrane material.