Chemically Bonded Holding Strap for Corrosive Environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding straps and methods for attaching hook components to strap components face disadvantages such as inadequate strength, susceptibility to degradation, and inefficiencies in applications like holding down underground tanks and lifting cathodes, particularly in corrosive environments.

Innovation Solution

A holding strap is produced by pre-treating the connection end of the strap component with a chemical solution and chemically bonding it within a cavity of the hook component using an epoxy resin, which provides a strong and stable covalent bond, suitable for various applications including underground tanks and hydrometallurgical operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If crimping methods are used to attach hook component to strap component, then the attachment process is simple, but the bond strength is insufficient and susceptible to degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment process simplicityVSAvoidbond strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical crimping attachment with chemical bonding using epoxy resin. The hook component is chemically bonded to the strap component through a cavity structure filled with epoxy resin, creating a strong covalent bond that eliminates the weakness of mechanical crimping while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite attachment structure combining metal hook component, polyester strap component, and epoxy resin. This multi-material composite approach leverages the strengths of each material: the metal hook provides structural integrity, the polyester strap provides flexibility and strength, and the epoxy resin provides strong chemical bonding, resulting in a attachment that is both strong and resistant to degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If stitching or sewing methods are used to attach hook component to strap component, then the attachment is flexible, but the bond strength is insufficient in corrosive environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidresistance to degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stitching with chemical bonding using epoxy resin. The chemical bond formed by the epoxy resin is resistant to corrosion and degradation, providing reliable attachment in harsh environments while maintaining the flexibility needed for various applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (stitching) to chemical (epoxy resin bonding). This parameter change in the attachment method provides both flexibility and resistance to degradation, as the chemical bond can be designed to accommodate movement while resisting environmental degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If chemical bonding with epoxy resin is used to attach hook component to strap component, then the bond strength and resistance to degradation are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the strap component with a chemical solution before bonding. This pre-treatment prepares the strap surface to optimize bonding with the epoxy resin, ensuring maximum bond strength. The cavity in the hook component is also prepared in advance, allowing for controlled application of the epoxy resin and systematic assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the cavity structure as an intermediary element between the hook component and strap component. The cavity serves as a container for the epoxy resin, controlling its application and distribution. This intermediary structure simplifies the bonding process by providing a defined space for the chemical bonding to occur, making the manufacturing process more manageable despite the added complexity of chemical bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 chemically-bonded holding strap offers enhanced strength, resistance to degradation, and durability, enabling effective use in diverse applications like holding down tanks and lifting cathodes, with improved stability against corrosion and wear.

Implementation Method 1

chemically bonding it within a cavity of the hook component using an epoxy resin, which provides a strong and stable covalent bond

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

pre-treating the connection end of the strap component with a chemical solution and chemically bonding it within a cavity of the hook component using an epoxy resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3362532B1Techniques for making and using holding straps with hook-and-strap attachment

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 PULTRUSION TECHN

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AI summary

There are provided a holding strap, methods of making the same, and methods using such holding strap for tying down objects on a flatbed of a vehicle, retaining underground tanks, or lifting electrodes out of an electrolytic cell. The holding strap includes a chemically pre-treated strap component, an epoxy resin chemically bonded to the pre-treated strap component, and a hook component comprising a cavity that is configured and sized to receive at least a portion of the strap component, the epoxy resin being chemically bonded to internal surfaces of the cavity, so as to form the holding strap.