Elastolefin Fabric Power Transmission Belt for Void-Free Vulcanization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power transmission belts in motor vehicles face challenges such as reduced lifespan due to abrasion, increased noise levels, and defects like cracks and fissures, particularly when using polyurethane threads which create empty spaces during vulcanization.
Innovation Solution
The development of a power transmission belt utilizing a fabric covering material with elastolefin threads, which provides elasticity and adhesion without the drawbacks of polyurethane, such as empty spaces and defects, while maintaining optimal performance and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fabric covering material is used to reduce abrasion, then wear resistance is improved, but the fabric is stressed and stretched during vulcanization, weakening it at the grooves and ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional fabric to elastomeric material for the covering layer. This elastomeric material is selected to be compatible with the body material and maintains its properties during vulcanization, avoiding the stress and stretching problems that weaken conventional fabrics at grooves and ribs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure where the covering layer is made of elastomeric material that is chemically and physically compatible with the body material. This composite approach ensures that the covering layer integrates seamlessly with the belt body during vulcanization, maintaining both wear resistance and structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polyurethane elastic threads are used in the fabric, then elasticity and adhesion are improved, but the threads melt during vulcanization creating empty spaces that lead to defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from polyurethane elastic threads to elastic fibers made of materials that do not melt during vulcanization. These elastic fibers maintain their elasticity and adhesion properties while remaining stable at vulcanization temperatures, preventing the formation of empty spaces and subsequent defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the polyurethane threads (which have limited thermal stability) with elastic fibers that are designed to withstand the full vulcanization process without degrading. This substitution eliminates the temporary nature of polyurethane threads that melt and create defects.
3Strength
If conventional fabric covering is used, then wear resistance is improved, but friction between the belt and pulley increases, leading to higher noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameter of the covering layer by using elastomeric material with optimized friction characteristics. This material provides adequate wear resistance while maintaining lower friction coefficients compared to conventional fabrics, thereby reducing noise generation during belt-pulley interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric covering layer with controlled porosity that reduces friction between the belt and pulley surfaces. This porous structure allows for better contact characteristics and reduced sliding friction, leading to lower noise levels while maintaining wear resistance.
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 belt achieves improved resistance to wear, reduced noise levels, especially in damp conditions, and enhanced adhesion to the belt body, leading to a longer average working life and fewer defects compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
both tend to be very stressed and 'stretched' at the grooves and ribs during the vulcanization stage
Implementation Method 2
the fabric adheres better to the working surface of the belt, namely to the surface which engages on the pulleys during use
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A power transmission belt (1, 101) comprising a body (2, 102) made of a first elastomeric material, a plurality of cords (3, 103) embedded in the body of the belt, a back (8, 107) and a plurality of ribs ( 5 ) or teeth (106) : the back (8) or the ribs (5) or the teeth (106) are covered by a covering material (9, 10, 108, 110) chosen from the group composed of woven fabric and knitted fabric. The covering material comprises elastolefin fibres, and preferably comprises at least one elastolefin thread.