Fluid barriers with flexible backing material and methods of repairing and manufacturing the same

Abstract

A component to be repaired includes a relatively rigid plate. On a surface that may have been subject to fracture, a resin material is first laid down, then a relatively flexible material is positioned outwardly of the resin material to repair the barrier. A part may also be formed initially with the flexible material. In another feature of this application, a method of forming a barrier includes providing a composite material, and applying a relatively flexible material on a surface of the composite material, and concurrently molding the relatively flexible material with the composite material using a composite mold.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid barrier comprising:
 a relatively rigid plate; and   a relatively flexible material applied on a side of said plate.   
     
     
         2 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the relatively flexible material is an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         3 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric material is a fluoroelastomer. 
     
     
         4 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a relatively rigid material forming the plate is one of a fiberglass, aromatic polyamide, or carbon fiber reinforced material. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said plate is part of a fluid seal. 
     
     
         6 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said fluid seal is an air-oil seal. 
     
     
         7 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the relatively flexible material is molded directly to the rigid plate. 
     
     
         8 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a resin material is applied to said plate and between said plate and said relatively flexible material. 
     
     
         9 . The barrier as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the fluid barrier is initially cleaned to remove oil prior to the application of the resin. 
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing a fluid barrier comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a composite material; and   (b) applying a relatively flexible material on a surface of said composite material; and   (c) concurrently molding the relatively flexible material and the composite material using a composite mold.   
     
     
         11 . The method as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein applying the relatively flexible material includes compressing the relatively flexible material. 
     
     
         12 . The method as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the relatively flexible material is an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         13 . The method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the elastomeric material is a fluoroelastomer.