Elastomeric Lattice Structure for Compressible Part Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compressible parts, such as blown foam rubber inlet plugs, lose their compressive force over time due to deformation, leading to a loss of friction fit in secondary heat exchanger inlets of aerospace vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A compressible part with a solid portion and a lattice structure made of elastomeric polymer, which provides increased elastic deformation under compressive stress, maintaining a friction fit for a longer period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If blown foam rubber is used as the compressible portion, then the part is compressible and provides initial compressive force, but it deforms to the shape of the receptacle over time and loses compressive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to deformationVSAvoidduration of compressive force

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressible part uses a composite structure combining a lattice structure made of rigid material with an elastomeric polymer coating. This composite design provides both structural stability to resist deformation and elastic properties to maintain compressive force over time, solving the problem of foam rubber deforming and losing force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The lattice structure provides a porous, open-cell architecture that allows the elastomeric coating to be applied throughout the structure. This porous configuration maintains compressibility while the rigid lattice framework prevents permanent deformation, enabling long-term maintenance of compressive force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a solid elastomeric polymer is used for the compressible portion, then the part maintains elasticity, but it does not provide sufficient structural stability to resist deformation over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance of friction fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of rigid lattice structure and elastomeric polymer creates a composite that merges structural stability from the lattice with the elastic recovery properties of the polymer, ensuring both immediate compliance and long-term reliability of the friction fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric polymer forms a thin film or coating on the lattice structure, providing flexibility and elastic recovery while the underlying lattice maintains structural integrity. This thin film approach allows the structure to maintain shape stability while still providing necessary compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional foam rubber is used, then the part is easy to manufacture and provides initial compression, but it loses compressive force quickly leading to premature failure of friction fit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fabricationVSAvoidduration of friction fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the compressible portion by transitioning from solid foam rubber to a lattice structure with specific porosity and surface area characteristics. This parameter change enables long-term maintenance of compressive force while maintaining manufacturability through 3D printing or molding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compressible part with a lattice structure maintains a stable friction fit for extended periods, resisting deformation and ensuring durability, unlike traditional foam rubber which deforms quickly.

Implementation Method 1

The lattice structure is configured to provide for increased elastic deformation of the compressible part under compressive stress compared to the same compressible part made completely of the elastomeric polymer in solid form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The compressible part is insertable in the receptacle and maintainable therein by a friction fit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11673687B2Programable deformation of elastomeric parts using internal lattice structures

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A compressible part having a solid portion and a compressible portion. The solid portion includes a first polymer material. The compressible portion has a lattice structure adjacent to the solid portion. The compressible portion includes a second polymer material that is an elastomeric polymer. The lattice structure is configured to provide for increased elastic deformation of the compressible part under compressive stress compared to the same compressible part made completely of the elastomeric polymer in solid form.