18428210. METHODS OF PLUGGING A HONEYCOMB BODY simplified abstract (CORNING INCORPORATED)

METHODS OF PLUGGING A HONEYCOMB BODY

Organization Name

CORNING INCORPORATED

Inventor(s)

Keith Norman Bubb of Beaver Dams NY (US)

Theresa Chang of Painted Post NY (US)

Joseph Henry Citriniti of CORNING NY (US)

Kevin Eugene Elliott of Newton NC (US)

Xinyuan Liu of San Jose CA (US)

Robert John Locker of CORNING NY (US)

Prashanth Abraham Vanniamparambil of Ellicott City MD (US)

Kevin Lee Wasson of Elmira NY (US)

Shu Yuan of Horseheads NY (US)

METHODS OF PLUGGING A HONEYCOMB BODY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18428210 titled 'METHODS OF PLUGGING A HONEYCOMB BODY

Simplified Explanation

The method described in the patent application involves plugging channels of a honeycomb body using a plugging mixture with specific properties. Here are the key points of the innovation:

• Shear force is applied to a plugging mixture containing inorganic particles, clay, and a liquid vehicle to change its viscosity.
• The honeycomb body is brought into contact with the plugging mixture, allowing it to flow into the channels.
• The shear force is then reduced or stopped to increase the viscosity of the mixture in the channels, effectively plugging them.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in industries such as automotive (catalytic converters), aerospace (exhaust systems), and energy (emission control systems).

Problems Solved

This method provides a more efficient and controlled way of plugging channels in honeycomb bodies, ensuring better performance and durability of the final product.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved product quality, increased production efficiency, and cost savings due to reduced material waste.

Potential Commercial Applications

One potential commercial application of this technology could be in the manufacturing of catalytic converters for automobiles, where precise channel plugging is crucial for optimal performance.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of traditional methods such as manual plugging or injection molding to plug channels in honeycomb bodies. However, these methods may not offer the same level of control and efficiency as the method described in the patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the viscosity change affect the plugging process?

The viscosity change allows for better flow of the plugging mixture into the channels, followed by an increase in viscosity to ensure proper sealing. This process is crucial for effective channel plugging.

What are the specific properties of the plugging mixture that make it effective?

The combination of inorganic particles, clay, and a liquid vehicle in the plugging mixture is designed to achieve the desired viscosity changes and sealing properties. Further details on the composition and proportions of these components would be helpful to understand the effectiveness of the mixture.

Original Abstract Submitted

A method of plugging channels of a honeycomb body and a honeycomb body including plugged channels. The method includes applying a shear force to a plugging mixture including a plurality of inorganic particles, clay, and a liquid vehicle to alter the viscosity of the plugging mixture from a first viscosity prior to the vibrating to a second viscosity which is less than the first viscosity. A honeycomb body is placed into contact with the plugging mixture such that a portion of the plugging mixture having the second viscosity flows into the plurality of channels. Application of the shear force is stopped or reduced to increase the viscosity of the portion of the plugging mixture in the plurality of channels to greater than the first viscosity.