Bio-degradable Mowing Thread with Bast Fiber Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nylon threads used in string trimmers are not bio-degradable and prone to cracking, leading to fragments remaining in nature, which are difficult to dispose of and pose environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A mowing thread comprising a bio-degradable core made from bast fibers or chemical fibers, such as hemp or Lyocell, coated with a bio-degradable synthetic shell that provides necessary stiffness and tensile strength, achieved through a mechanical coupling where the synthetic material hardens around the core, ensuring the thread is both compostable and effective for trimming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nylon thread is used for mowing, then the thread has sufficient flexibility and low brittleness for effective trimming, but the thread is not bio-degradable and cracks/fragments remain in nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a natural fiber core (bast fiber or bio-degradable chemical fiber) with a bio-degradable synthetic material shell. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical properties for mowing while ensuring bio-degradability, resolving the contradiction between durability and environmental harm.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pure bast fiber or bio-degradable chemical fiber is used for the mowing thread, then the thread is bio-degradable, but the fiber is too soft and flexible to achieve effective trimming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where a bio-degradable synthetic material shell is applied around a natural fiber core. The shell provides the necessary stiffness and strength for effective trimming, while the core maintains bio-degradability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between bio-degradability and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the thread different properties: the core provides bio-degradability and flexibility, while the shell provides stiffness and strength. This local differentiation of material properties allows the thread to meet both contradictory requirements simultaneously.
3Strength
If a shell of bio-degradable synthetic material is applied around the core to provide stiffness, then the thread achieves sufficient strength for trimming, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transitions by utilizing the melting and solidification of the bio-degradable synthetic material. The material is melted, applied to the core in liquid/plastic state, and then solidifies to form the shell. This phase transition approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to other bonding methods, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the necessary structural integrity.
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 bio-degradable mowing thread maintains sufficient stiffness and tensile strength to perform effectively while ensuring environmental sustainability by decomposing naturally after use, addressing the issues of brittleness and flexibility of previous materials.
Implementation Method 1
The synthetic material is then hardened while enclosing the fiber core
Data Source
AI summary
A mowing thread comprises a core comprising a bast fiber or a bio-degradable chemical fiber, and a shell around the core comprising a bio-degradable synthetic material.