Hydrocarbon Adsorber Edge Seal Testing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for testing the edge seal strength of hydrocarbon adsorbers in automotive air intake systems are inconsistent and lack reproducibility, making it difficult to ensure compliance with stringent emission regulations.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a roller and a half pipe with a controlled motor and speed controller is used to rotate the roller, allowing the hydrocarbon adsorber part to wrap around it, inducing shear stress on the edge seal, which can be evaluated for integrity and failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional bending methods using cardboard tubes are used to test edge seal strength, then the testing process is simple to perform, but the results are inconsistent and lack reproducibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing processVSAvoidconsistency of test results

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical bending process with an automated mechanical testing system. A motor-driven roller applies controlled rotational force to bend the hydrocarbon adsorber around a mandrel, substituting human-operated cardboard tube bending with a standardized mechanical apparatus. This automation eliminates operator variability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes specific test parameters including roller diameter (e.g., 2 inches), rotational speed (e.g., 5-10 RPM), and mandrel dimensions to standardize the bending process. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves reproducible results across different operators and testing sessions while maintaining the fundamental bending action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual bending around cardboard tubes is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of edge seal strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing deviceVSAvoidprecision of edge seal strength evaluation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a motorized roller system with controlled rotation to replace manual bending. This mechanical substitution provides precise control over bending force and radius, enabling accurate measurement of edge seal strength while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through the use of a single motorized component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a mandrel as an intermediary object between the roller and the hydrocarbon adsorber. The mandrel provides a standardized bending radius and surface, acting as a mediator that ensures consistent geometric conditions for edge seal testing without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If standardized testing with motorized roller is implemented, then the reliability of test results improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproducibility of test resultsVSAvoidcomplexity of testing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a motorized roller system to automate the bending process, replacing manual operations with controlled mechanical action. This substitution significantly improves result reproducibility by eliminating human variability while adding only a single motorized component to the testing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent standardizes key testing parameters such as roller diameter, rotational speed, and mandrel dimensions to ensure reliable and reproducible results. By controlling these parameters within specified ranges, the system achieves high reliability without requiring overly complex device architecture.

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

This method provides a consistent and precise evaluation of the edge seal strength, enabling reliable testing and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Implementation Method 1

a roller and a half pipe with a controlled motor and speed controller are used to rotate the roller, allowing the hydrocarbon adsorber part to wrap around it, inducing shear stress on the edge seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

inducing shear stress on the edge seal, which can be evaluated for integrity and failure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS20230417653A1Hydrocarbon adsorber testing device and method

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 CALGON CARBON CORPORATION

AI summary

A device may include a roller, a half pipe which is separated from the roller by a gap, a motor, a speed controller configured to control operation of the motor, and a drive which is operably connected to the motor and configured to rotate the roller. The device may be used in a testing method for testing an adsorbent material.