Thermoplastic Elastomer Valve Seal for Low Gas Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved seal for valves in pressurized containers that is economical and effective, with uniform properties and increased useable life, while addressing issues with gas permeability and seal consistency.
Innovation Solution
The seal is made from thermoplastic elastomers such as TPAs, TPCs, TPOs, TPSs, TPUs, TPVs, or TPZs, processed through extrusion and mechanical grinding to achieve uniform composition, and can incorporate regrind material without increasing gas permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional seal materials are used, then the seal can be manufactured, but the seal exhibits non-uniform properties and inconsistent sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using thermoplastic elastomers with specific properties (Shore A hardness 40-90, density 0.90-1.10 g/cm³) and controlling processing parameters (extrusion temperature, grinding particle size) to achieve uniform seal properties and consistent sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulations combining thermoplastic elastomers with specific additives and fillers to create a homogeneous material composition that ensures uniform sealing properties throughout the seal structure
2Ease of manufacture
If the seal uses economical materials, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but gas permeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes material parameters by selecting specific thermoplastic elastomer formulations and controlling processing conditions to achieve low gas permeability while maintaining cost-effectiveness through efficient manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the seal, particularly optimizing the sealing bead area for low gas permeability while using cost-effective materials for non-critical sections
3Productivity
If the seal is made with standard materials, then production is simple, but the useable life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite thermoplastic elastomer formulations that combine durability-enhancing components with base materials, achieving extended seal life while maintaining straightforward production processes through single-step extrusion and molding
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 solution results in a seal with consistent sealing properties, extended life, and reduced gas permeability, suitable for various valve configurations and container types.
Implementation Method 1
processed through extrusion and mechanical grinding to achieve uniform composition
Implementation Method 2
processed through extrusion and mechanical grinding to achieve uniform composition
Implementation Method 3
can incorporate regrind material without increasing gas permeability
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for a valve for dispensing a flowable product from a pressurized container. The seal comprises a material comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyamides (TPAs), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPCs), olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPOs), styrenic block copolymers (TPSs), thermoplastic urethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), or nonclassified thermoplastic elastomers (TPZs).