Spiral Molded Elastomeric Gaskets for Adjustable Pipe Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing sealing gaskets for pipe connections require a wide range of sizes, leading to increased expense and complexity due to the need for multiple molds and varying lengths, and often use materials that are difficult to injection mold, such as elastomers.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing spiral molding technology with mating mold plates to produce elongated elastomeric gaskets of adjustable length, allowing for uniform cross-sectional dimensions and incorporation of hardened gripping elements, enabling the creation of long, thin gaskets that can be cut to specific lengths and spliced for use in pipe connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds are used to produce gaskets of various sizes, then the adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single mold that can produce gaskets of various sizes through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The mold includes movable positioning elements that can be reconfigured to accommodate different pipe diameters, allowing one mold to perform the function of multiple fixed-size molds, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different pipe sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by incorporating movable and adjustable components in the mold design. The positioning elements can be dynamically reconfigured during the molding process to create gaskets of different lengths and cross-sections, enabling a single mold to adapt to various pipe sizes without requiring multiple static molds
2Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used for gaskets, then the sealing performance is improved, but the difficulty of injection molding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the injection molding process parameters specifically for elastomeric materials. This includes adjusting temperature, pressure, and curing cycle parameters to accommodate the unique properties of elastomers, enabling successful molding of sealing gaskets with high sealing performance while overcoming the manufacturing difficulties associated with these materials
3Manufacturing precision
If gaskets are produced for each specific pipe size, then the manufacturing precision for each size is improved, but the productivity and warehouse efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a universal mold system that can produce gaskets of various sizes with high dimensional precision. The adjustable positioning mechanisms ensure that each gasket size is molded with the required precision while eliminating the need for multiple dedicated molds, thereby improving productivity and reducing warehouse requirements for inventorying various sizes
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 allows for the production of gaskets with high dimensional precision and uniform strength, reducing material waste and the need for multiple molds, while enabling the use of materials previously difficult to extrude, such as nitriles and neoprenes, and providing a scalable solution for various pipe sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric material is then cured to form a spiral strip
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a sealing gasket is shown for use in a pipe sealing system. A pair of mating upper and lower mold plates are provided each having an exposed molding surface in the form of a spiral cavity. A length of pre-extruded elastomeric material in the shape of the near final form of the spiral mold cavity is laid into the mold cavities to substantially fill the cavities. The material may have hardened gripping elements incorporated therein. The upper and lower mold plates are closed to compress the elastomeric material within the spiral cavities and thereafter the material is cured to form a spiral strip. The spiral strip is then cut into given lengths having opposing free ends and the free ends are spliced to form completed sealing gaskets of a desired size.