Elastomeric degradation indicator devices, systems, and methods
AssigneeLord Corporation
InventorDavid M. Catanzarite
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present subject matter relates to devices, systems, and methods for indicating degradation in a component having one or more elastomeric elements. For example, a degradation indicator can include an indicator element in communication with at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric elements, wherein the indicator element is configured to show visible degradation or damage when a specific and predetermined condition of the one or more elastomeric elements is reached.
Claims15
A degradation indicator for a component having one or more elastomeric elements, the degradation indicator comprising:
- an indicator element in communication with at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric elements;
- wherein the indicator element is positioned to show a visible degradation or damage when a specific and predetermined condition of the one or more elastomeric elements is reached;
- wherein the indicator element is in communication with a portion of the one or more elastomeric elements that is positioned to experience damage first within the one or more elastomeric elements, the indicator element comprises at least one structural feature that is degraded or damaged at an accelerated rate under normal operating loads on the portion of the one or more elastomeric elements.
A method for making a degradation indicator for a component having one or more elastomeric elements, the method comprising:
- coupling an indicator element to at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric elements;
- configuring the indicator element to show a visible degradation or damage when a specific and predetermined condition of the one or more elastomeric elements is reached;
- positioning the portion of the one or more elastomeric elements to which the indicator element is coupled to experience damage first within the one or more elastomeric elements;
- and
- introducing at least one structural feature that degrades or is damaged at an accelerated rate under normal operating loads on the portion of the one or more elastomeric elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.