Bicycle Grip Composite EVA Foam Polyurethane Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle grips are not adequately lightweight, water-resistant, and fail to provide optimal shock absorption and traction, which are critical for performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A grip design featuring an EVA inner layer and a polyurethane-coated non-woven fabric with a dimpled surface pattern, where polyurethane fills the troughs and covers the crests of an elastic fabric, providing enhanced elasticity and water resistance while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grip materials are used, then shock absorption is provided, but weight increases and water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grip uses a composite structure combining EVA foam inner layer with polyurethane-coated non-woven fabric outer layer. The EVA foam provides lightweight shock absorption while the polyurethane-coated fabric layer provides water resistance and traction, achieving both shock absorption and water resistance without excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-woven fabric layer with its porous structure allows the polyurethane coating to penetrate and bind to the fibers while maintaining breathability and flexibility. The porous structure also helps in achieving water resistance by preventing water penetration while maintaining the lightweight characteristic.
2Reliability
If traditional grip materials are used, then shock absorption is provided, but water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grip uses a composite structure combining EVA foam inner layer with polyurethane-coated non-woven fabric outer layer. The EVA foam provides lightweight shock absorption while the polyurethane-coated fabric layer provides water resistance and traction, achieving both shock absorption and water resistance without excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurethane coating process, which initially might be seen as adding weight, actually provides water resistance by forming a protective barrier on the fabric surface. The coating fills the porous structure and creates a water-repellent layer, converting the potential harm of water absorption into a beneficial water-resistant property.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polyurethane coating is applied to fabric, then water resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polyurethane coating process involves controlling parameters such as coating thickness, coating uniformity, and curing conditions to achieve optimal water resistance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the manufacturing process becomes manageable and the water-resistant property is achieved without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-woven fabric layer with its porous structure allows the polyurethane coating to penetrate and bind to the fibers while maintaining breathability and flexibility. The porous structure also helps in achieving water resistance by preventing water penetration while maintaining the lightweight characteristic.
4Ease of operation
If fabric elasticity is enhanced, then grip comfort is improved, but material weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric layer is pre-processed with a polymeric compound to enhance elasticity. This parameter change in the fabric properties allows it to provide better grip comfort and flexibility without requiring additional heavy materials, as the elasticity enhancement is achieved through chemical treatment rather than adding mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip uses a composite structure combining EVA foam inner layer with polyurethane-coated non-woven fabric outer layer. The EVA foam provides lightweight shock absorption while the polyurethane-coated fabric layer provides water resistance and traction, achieving both shock absorption and water resistance without excessive weight.
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 grip offers superior shock absorption, maintains light weight, and provides excellent traction and feel by transmitting vibrations, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels by ensuring the grip remains lightweight and resistant to water absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the polyurethane soaks into and permeates through the fabric substrate
Implementation Method 2
the fabric layer is pre-processed with a polymeric compound to enhance the elasticity of the fabric layer
Implementation Method 3
dipping the polyurethane and fabric substrate into a water bath to facilitate the coagulation of the polyurethane in and around the fabric substrate
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6B
Figure 7~11
AI summary
Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with bicycle handles. The grip preferably includes a multilayered gripping member. The outer layer of the gripping member preferably includes a thin layer saturated by polyurethane. The outer layer of the gripping member can be attached to an inner base layer.