Aqueous Coating Composition for Adjustable Friction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aqueous coating systems for fastening components, such as screws and bolts, fail to precisely set coefficients of friction without using perfluorinated polymers like PTFE, leading to issues like stick-slip effects and environmental concerns due to the use of fluorinated compounds, which are expensive, non-degradable, and harmful.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous coating composition comprising an organic binding agent with a copolymer of unsaturated hydrocarbons and unsaturated carboxylic acids, combined with a lubricant, which allows for adjustable coefficients of friction within the required range without fluorinated polymers, thus addressing environmental and safety concerns while maintaining performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluorinated polymers like PTFE are used to set the coefficient of friction, then the sliding properties and friction control are improved, but environmental harm and production cost increase due to PFOA contamination and non-degradability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction controlVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, persistent fluorinated polymers with biodegradable alternatives based on polyesters and polyamides that can be naturally decomposed, eliminating long-term environmental contamination while maintaining friction control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by substituting fluorinated compounds with ester and amide functional groups, changing the molecular structure to enable biodegradability while adjusting the coefficient of friction to remain within the specified range of 0.09 to 0.16

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If PTFE is used to achieve desired sliding properties, then friction control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and energy consumption increase due to purification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding propertiesVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses readily biodegradable polyester and polyamide polymers that do not require extensive purification processes, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the desired sliding properties through inherent material characteristics rather than post-processing purification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the coefficient of friction is reduced to prevent joint loosening, then fastening reliability is improved, but energy transfer to elastic elongation decreases reducing preload force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidpreload force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the coefficient of friction within the narrow range of 0.09 to 0.16 by adjusting polymer composition and additives, optimizing the balance between preventing joint loosening through sufficient friction and allowing adequate energy transfer for preload force generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If aqueous coating systems are used instead of fluorinated polymers, then environmental safety is improved, but the ability to precisely set coefficients of friction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidfriction coefficient control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves precise friction coefficient control in aqueous systems by carefully adjusting polymer molecular weight, composition ratios of ester and amide groups, and additive concentrations, demonstrating that environmental safety and manufacturing precision are not mutually exclusive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite coating formulations combining biodegradable polyester and polyamide polymers with specific additives in aqueous media, creating a multi-component system that achieves precise friction control while maintaining environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a solvent-free, fluoropolymer-free coating system that effectively sets coefficients of friction within the desired range, preventing stick-slip effects and ensuring reliable fastening performance, even at elevated temperatures, while being environmentally and occupationally safer.

Implementation Method 1

an organic binding agent, wherein the binding agent comprises a copolymer of at least one unsaturated hydrocarbon and at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a lubricant, wherein the coating composition is free of fluorinated polymer particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20240076570A1Aqueous coating composition and use thereof

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 EWALD DORKEN AG

AI summary

A coating composition for producing a coating with an adjustable coefficient of friction.