Elastomeric Sealing Element With Dual Cross-Linked Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric sealing elements are expensive due to the need for high thermal and chemical resistance in some applications, and using separate materials for different resistance requirements complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric sealing element composed of two sections, one made with a less expensive material for lower thermal and chemical resistance and another with a more expensive material for higher resistance, joined using a cross-linking agent in the seam area, allowing for adaptable properties and simplified production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high thermal and chemical resistance is ensured in all sealing sections, then sealing reliability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different elastomeric materials in different sealing sections based on local requirements. The first sealing section uses a cost-effective elastomer for areas with moderate thermal and chemical exposure, while the second sealing section uses a high-performance elastomer for areas requiring superior resistance. This localized material selection optimizes both reliability and manufacturing cost by avoiding over-engineering in low-stress areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sealing elements made of different materials are used, then adaptability to local load spectra is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing elements with different material properties into a single integrated sealing element. The first and second sealing sections are molded as one piece with different elastomeric materials, eliminating the need for separate components. This combination maintains the adaptability to different local load spectra while simplifying handling, installation, and alignment, as the entire assembly is installed as one unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sealing elements are used, then material selection flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different elastomeric materials within a single sealing element. The first elastomeric material and second elastomeric material are integrated in specific sections based on the thermal and chemical resistance requirements of each area. This composite approach provides material selection flexibility to optimize performance and cost, while the integrated manufacturing process reduces overall production costs compared to assembling separate elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If different elastomeric materials are joined in seam areas, then cost is reduced, but joining strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cross-linking agent as an intermediary substance in the seam area where the first and second elastomeric materials meet. This cross-linking agent facilitates chemical bonding between the different elastomeric materials, ensuring that the seam area achieves joining strength comparable to or exceeding the base materials. This intermediary enables cost-effective material combination while maintaining structural integrity at the material interface.
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 configuration reduces production costs while maintaining mechanical strength and ensuring long service life, with the seam area not being a weak point, and allows for precise alignment during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the two cross-linking systems comprises a cross-linking agent for the respectively other elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
In order to make an elastomeric sealing element available which is also suitable, in particular, for sealing tasks, with which the highest thermal and chemical resistance is partially required, and at the same time to save on costs and resources it is suggested that the elastomeric sealing element comprise a first and a second sealing section, wherein the first sealing section is produced with the use of a first elastomeric material containing a first cross-linking system, wherein the second sealing section is produced with the use of a second elastomeric material containing a second cross-linking system, wherein the first and the second sealing sections border directly on one another in a seam area and their elastomeric materials are materially joined to one another, and wherein at least one of the two cross-linking systems comprises, in addition, a cross-linking agent for the respectively other elastomeric material.