Trapezoidal Gasket with Segmented Durometers for EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaskets fail to provide effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and environmental sealing across a wide range of gap sizes and compression levels while maintaining a low gasket force, and are not suitable for applications requiring resistance to pressure differentials, temperature extremes, and exposure to fuels and chemicals.
Innovation Solution
The development of gaskets with a trapezoidal profile and a resilient, electrically-conductive tubular body that can be adhesively mounted to surfaces, providing continuous electrical contact and sealing against EMI and pressure differentials, with a design that minimizes gasket force and maintains functionality across varying gap sizes and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gasket is made more compliant to conform to irregular surfaces and varying gap sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the gasket force increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is divided into multiple zones with different durometers (softer center zone, harder outer zones) to provide differential compliance. This segmentation allows the gasket to conform to surface irregularities and gap variations in the center while the harder outer zones control the overall force output, preventing excessive gasket force while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the gasket are assigned different material properties (durometers) based on their functional requirements. The center portion has softer material for conformability, while the outer portions have harder material for force control, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction between adaptability and force management.
2Force
If the gasket uses harder material to maintain structural integrity and control force, then the gasket force is reduced, but the ability to conform to irregular surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket cross-section is segmented into regions of different durometers, with softer material in the center for conformability and harder material at the edges for structural control. This segmentation enables the gasket to simultaneously achieve low force output and good surface conformance by distributing different mechanical properties to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is constructed as a composite structure with multiple material zones of different durometers bonded together. This composite construction allows the gasket to exhibit both the compliance needed for surface conformance and the structural rigidity needed for force control, resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
3Reliability
If the gasket is designed to seal against high pressure differentials, then the sealing capability improves, but the gasket force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into functional zones where the harder outer zones provide structural support and force control, while the softer center zone provides sealing compliance. This segmentation allows the gasket to seal against high pressure differentials through the compliant center zone without requiring excessive overall gasket force, as the harder outer zones prevent force overload.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the gasket are assigned different material hardness levels to perform different functions: the center zone provides sealing compliance for pressure differential resistance, while the outer zones provide structural control to limit overall force. This local differentiation of material properties enables high sealing capability without excessive gasket force.
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 gaskets effectively seal against EMI and pressure differentials of up to 8.6 pounds per square inch with a consistent gasket force, maintain electrical continuity, and withstand temperature extremes and chemical exposure, ensuring reliable performance across a broad spectrum of applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliency allowing the seals to conform to the size of the gap
Implementation Method 2
when the base member is secured with adhesive to the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket generally includes a base member having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a top member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The gasket also has first and second oppositely-disposed lateral members curving generally inwardly relative to each other and connecting the base member to the top member such that a spaced distance separates the base member's inner surface from the top member's inner surface. The first and second lateral members, base member, and top member collectively define a generally trapezoidal profile with four generally rounded corner portions at about the intersections of the first and second lateral members with the base member and top member.