Abrasion-resistant composite
AssigneeGelSight, Inc.
InventorsEdward H. Adelson, F. Richard Cottrell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite structure combines a strong, hard, low-friction skin with a soft underlying layer that collectively provide good abrasion resistance. In one aspect, the composite structure may be formed of elastomeric materials with an optical profile suitable for retrographic sensing. However, the resulting composite may also or instead be advantageously employed in a range of applications such as gaskets, seals, clamps, robotic end effectors, and the like that would benefit from a pliable, abrasion resistant contact surface.
Claims20
A device for abrasion resistant contact with a target surface, comprising:
- a support structure;
- a substrate disposed on the support structure, the substrate having:
- a first Shore A hardness of no more than ten, and
- a first thickness of at least one millimeter;
- and
- a film disposed on the substrate for contact with the target surface, the film having:
- a second Shore A hardness of at least fifty,
- a second thickness not exceeding five hundred microns,
- a tensile strength of at least ten Megapascals,
- an elongation at break of at least three hundred percent, and
- a kinetic coefficient of friction against matte steel not exceeding 1.5.
A device comprising:
- a substrate including a first elastomer with a first hardness, wherein the first elastomer has a Shore A hardness not exceeding twenty;
- and
- a film including a second elastomer covering a first surface of the substrate of the first elastomer, the second elastomer having:
- (a) a second hardness greater than the first hardness of the first elastomer,
- (b) a tear strength greater than the first elastomer, and
- (c) a low coefficient of friction on a second surface facing away from the first surface of the substrate of the first elastomer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.