Composite Rope Recycling Through Multi-Stage Component Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disposal of non-biodegradable synthetic components in sports racket strings poses an environmental threat due to their toxic nature and lack of recycling solutions, contradicting the push for a circular economy.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mechanical, chemical, thermal, and biological separation steps to recycle composite strings, including peeling, grinding, solvent dissolution, vapor-thermolysis, and biological degradation using microalgae and enzymes, to separate and recover structural fibers and coating materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical, chemical, thermal, and biological separation steps are implemented to recycle composite strings, then recycling effectiveness and resource recovery are improved, but process complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling effectivenessVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the recycling process into four distinct separation steps (mechanical, chemical, thermal, biological), each targeting specific components of the composite string. This segmented approach allows for systematic decomposition of the complex recycling challenge into manageable stages, improving overall recycling effectiveness while maintaining organized process control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs intermediary substances and methods at each separation stage - using solvents for chemical separation, heat for thermal separation, and biological agents for biological degradation. These intermediaries facilitate the separation of different string components without requiring direct complex interactions between all components simultaneously, thereby managing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separation steps are used to separate string components, then separation completeness and material recovery are improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing mechanical separation (cutting, grinding) before chemical, thermal, and biological separation steps. This pre-treatment reduces the complexity and time required for subsequent separation stages by breaking down the string into smaller, more manageable segments that are easier to process through the remaining separation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by implementing separation steps in a sequential, periodic manner rather than simultaneously. Each separation method (mechanical, chemical, thermal, biological) is applied in turn, allowing each process to work on the material from the previous stage. This periodic application optimizes the effectiveness of each separation method while managing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 the recycling of sports racket strings into reusable resources, reducing waste and promoting a green circular economy by transforming polluting materials into recoverable components.

Implementation Method 1

a chemical separation step, dissolution of the coating of the fibers in a solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a thermal separation step, with heating of the cord strand above 150°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor-thermolysis: Thermolysis

Implementation Method 3

a biological separation step comprises the extended placing of the cordage strands in contact with active biological agents comprising microalgae and/or enzymes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiological degradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS12594693B2Method and device for recycling ropes
Publication Date: 2026.04.07 MENNEGLIER JEAN MATHIEU
  • US12594693B2 patent drawing
  • US12594693B2 patent drawing
  • US12594693B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for recycling composite ropes, the method comprising a step of identifying (SO) the type of rope and at least one step of separating components comprising one or the other of the following steps /S1/, /S2/, /S3/, /S4/ as defined below: /SI/—a mechanical separation step, /S2/—a chemical separation step, /S3/—a thermal separation step, /S4/—a biological separation step and machine or installation for recycling composite ropes.