Monolithic Vacuum Lifter Seal Structure Against Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals for vacuum material lifters delaminate over time due to environmental exposure and compression cycles, leading to loss of vacuum seal integrity and increased maintenance costs, as they are susceptible to liquid absorption and chemical contamination.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic seal with a continuous unbroken outer skin, formed by extruding and curing a thermoset elastomer, eliminating the need for lamination and reducing liquid absorption, while maintaining resistance to permanent compression set and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If laminated seals are used to achieve the required thickness, then the seal can provide sufficient compression force, but the seal is susceptible to delamination and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple layers of cellular rubber material into a single monolithic seal structure. This eliminates the bonded seams between separate layers that are prone to delamination, while maintaining the required thickness and compression force through the integrated cellular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite cellular rubber material with a specific structure featuring closed cells and a skin layer. This composite structure provides both the necessary compression properties and resistance to delamination by eliminating traditional adhesive bonds between layers.
2Ease of manufacture
If open cell surfaces are exposed for maximum bonding area, then the seal can be laminated effectively, but the seal absorbs liquids rapidly and deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a skin layer that acts as a protective barrier over the cellular structure. This skin prevents liquid absorption while maintaining the structural integrity and compression properties of the cellular rubber, eliminating the need for exposed open cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the seal structure. The cellular interior provides compression and elasticity, while the outer skin provides liquid resistance. This local differentiation of material properties solves both the manufacturing and durability requirements.
3Productivity
If the seal undergoes compression/relaxation cycles, then the vacuum seal can be created and released, but the seal exhibits permanent compression set and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the density memory property of the cellular rubber material, which allows the seal to return to its original shape after compression. This parameter change capability enables repeated vacuum cycles without permanent deformation or rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite cellular structure with closed cells provides both the necessary compression characteristics for vacuum sealing and the elastic recovery properties needed to resist permanent compression set during repeated operation cycles.
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 prevents delamination, reduces liquid absorption, and enhances durability and resistance to environmental degradation, ensuring consistent vacuum seal performance and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
extruding the elastomer through a die to form a continuous monolithic seal body
Implementation Method 2
curing the extrusion in the mold
Implementation Method 3
curing the extrusion in a heated mold
Implementation Method 4
a continuous unbroken outer skin that prevents liquid absorption
Implementation Method 5
closed cell structure throughout its body
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.