Birch Bark Panel Surface Uniformity via Dust-Modified Binder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing birch bark panels, profiles, and bodies result in irregular and uneven surfaces due to the layering process, which affects their haptic and visual quality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating birch bark dust with a grain size of less than 0.35 mm into the binder used for wetting the birch bark pieces, along with brushing the pieces to create perforations, to form a layered body that is then hardened under pressure, which is mechanically processed to produce smooth and even surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If birch bark pieces are layered and hardened under pressure to form panels, then the structural strength is improved, but the surface becomes irregular and uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsurface uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing birch bark dust as a filler material with specific grain size characteristics (less than 0.35 mm) into the binder composition. This parameter modification of the binder allows it to flow into and level cavities during the hardening process, transforming the surface uniformity outcome while maintaining the structural strength benefits of pressure hardening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder system by combining birch bark dust filler with binding agent. This composite material approach allows the binder to simultaneously provide adhesion and surface leveling functions, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and surface uniformity by integrating multiple functions into a single composite material system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If holes are made in birch bark pieces to increase strength, then the internal strength is improved, but the surface develops irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal strengthVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of surface irregularities caused by hole-making into a benefit by using birch bark dust filler in the binder. The filler material flows into the cavities created by holes during layering and hardening, transforming surface defects into a smoothed, uniform finish. This applies the blessing in disguise principle by turning the harmful surface irregularities into an opportunity for improved surface quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If birch bark pieces are brushed to create perforations, then the bonding surface is improved, but the visual and haptic quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding qualityVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the binder composition to include birch bark dust filler, which compensates for the surface irregularities created by brushing. The filler particles fill in the perforations and roughness created during the brushing process, maintaining bonding quality while restoring surface smoothness and visual quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method significantly improves the surface quality of birch bark products by evening out cavities and unevenness, enhancing their strength and antiseptic properties, making them suitable for use in wet areas with high slip resistance and antibacterial effects.

Implementation Method 1

dust from birch bark is added to the binder as a filler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

layered and hardened under a defined pressure to form a layered body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3285979B1Manufacturing method of plates, discs and other shapes using birchbark
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 NEVI GMBH
  • EP3285979B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing panels, plates and other objects using pieces of birch bark from which the outer layer is removed and which are cut to obtain a certain square measure, are at least partially humidified with a binder, are then layered, and are hardened at a defined pressure so as to obtain a stratified object that is machined, dust of birch bark being admixed as a filler to the binder.