Blade with Lower Modulus for Polysulfide Sealant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing protective coatings from substrates, such as aircraft components, are often time-consuming and risk damaging the substrate during the process, as they involve techniques like sanding or scraping which can scuff or gouge the surface.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a blade with a modulus lower than the substrate, secured in a blade holder and attached to a source of linear impact force, applies repetitive linear force to remove the coating without damaging the substrate, with features like a malleable material and controlled force application to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sanding or scraping with a razor blade is used to remove coating, then the coating can be removed, but the substrate may be damaged (scuffing or gouging)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the blade from traditional hard materials to a softer material (such as rubber or plastic) that has lower hardness than the substrate. This parameter change allows the blade to remove the coating through friction and adhesion forces without being hard enough to gouge or damage the substrate surface, thus resolving the contradiction between substrate integrity and coating removal efficiency.
2Productivity
If sanding is used to remove coating, then coating removal is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sanding system with a friction-based scraping system. Instead of using abrasive particles and mechanical sanding motion, the invention uses a friction blade that removes coating through adhesion and friction forces, significantly reducing the time required for coating removal while maintaining substrate integrity.
3Productivity
If a harder blade is used to remove coating efficiently, then coating removal speed increases, but the substrate may be gouged or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the hardness parameter of the blade material to be softer than the substrate (e.g., rubber or plastic blade on aluminum substrate). This counterintuitive parameter change allows the blade to effectively remove the coating through friction and adhesion without being hard enough to gouge or damage the substrate, simultaneously achieving high productivity and preventing substrate damage.
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
Enables efficient and fast removal of coatings like polysulfide sealants from aircraft surfaces without damaging the substrate, ensuring the integrity of the surface is maintained.
Implementation Method 1
applying a series of pulsating movements to the blade with the air hammer
Implementation Method 2
causing the sealant to separate from the surface interior to the airplane wing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides method and apparatus for removing a sealant from a surface. More specifically the present invention provides methods an apparatus for efficiently and consistently removing polysulfide sealant from a surface on an aluminum airplane wing without damaging the wing.