Thermoplastic Seal Ring Forming via Glass Transition Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming thermoplastic seals, such as compression molding, result in seals with poor mechanical properties and are limited in size, leading to low durability and significant waste generation, particularly for large-scale equipment used in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving heating an extruded thermoplastic rod to a temperature above the glass transition temperature, bending it, joining the ends through welding, and annealing to form a seal ring with desirable mechanical properties, allowing for the production of large-diameter seals with improved elongation-at-break and tensile strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional compression molding is used to form thermoplastic seals, then the seals can be produced, but they have poor mechanical properties such as low elongation-at-break and low durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the thermoplastic material by heating it above its glass transition temperature to increase flexibility, then controlling the cooling process to achieve desired mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the material to achieve high elongation-at-break and improved durability that cannot be obtained through conventional compression molding at room temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating to the thermoplastic material before forming operations to make it more pliable and easier to form into large diameter seals. This preliminary action of heating above the glass transition temperature allows the material to be shaped without compromising its final mechanical properties after cooling
2Length of stationary object
If conventional techniques are used to form large seals, then production is possible, but the size of seals is limited and significant waste material is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seal manufacturing process into distinct stages: heating the thermoplastic material above its glass transition temperature, forming the material while pliable, cooling to set the shape, and trimming excess material. This segmentation allows for efficient material usage and enables production of large diameter seals without generating significant waste
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature parameter of the thermoplastic material to above its glass transition temperature during forming, the patent enables the creation of large diameter seals that would be impossible with conventional room temperature techniques. The material becomes sufficiently pliable to form large radii while minimizing material waste through precise forming
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 method enables the creation of large-diameter thermoplastic seal rings with enhanced mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and elongation-at-break, suitable for harsh environments, while minimizing waste and overcoming size limitations of conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
heating an extruded rod to a temperature above a glass transition temperature
Implementation Method 2
The semi-finished ring is annealed
Implementation Method 3
joining the ends of the extruded rod includes welding the ends of the extruded rod by melting the ends and pressing the ends together
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a seal ring includes heating an extruded rod to a temperature above a glass transition temperature. The extruded rod has first and second ends. The method further includes bending the extruded rod into a circular structure while the temperature is above the glass transition temperature, joining the first and second ends of the extruded rod to form a semi-finished ring, and annealing the semi-finished ring.