Laminated Copper Alloy Coating With Non-Spherical Hard Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for forming hard coatings have insufficient formation efficiency, which limits the effectiveness of the coating layer in terms of adhesion and durability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the spraying of a mixture containing precipitation hardening copper alloy particles and hard particles with non-spherical shapes onto a base substrate, where the hard particles have a median aspect ratio of 1.2 or more and are harder than the copper alloy particles, to form a coating layer with high formation efficiency and improved adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal powder is sprayed at high speed to cause deformation-induced transformation, then the coating hardness is improved, but the formation efficiency of the coating is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating hardnessVSAvoidformation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle shape parameter from spherical to non-spherical (aspect ratio ≥1.2) and uses precipitation hardening copper alloy with specific composition ranges. These parameter changes enable the coating to achieve both high hardness (500-1500 HV) and high formation efficiency (≥80%) by allowing lower spraying velocities while maintaining deformation-induced transformation effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material composition by combining precipitation hardening copper alloy particles (containing Cu, Ni, Si, Cr, Zn) with specific weight ratios (Cu: 70-95%, Ni: 3-20%, Si: 0.1-5%). This composite structure provides both the ductility needed for deformation-induced transformation and the hardness required for the coating, resolving the contradiction between hardness and formation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If non-spherical hard particles with aspect ratio ≥1.2 are used, then adhesion and formation efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidparticle preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses gas atomization or water atomization methods to produce non-spherical particles with controlled aspect ratios. These pneumatic/hydraulic processes create the desired particle morphology during atomization without requiring complex post-processing, thereby improving adhesion and formation efficiency while limiting device complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for particle production (aspect ratio 1.2-2.0, particle size 10-50 μm, specific composition ranges) that optimize both adhesion performance and manufacturing feasibility. By controlling parameters within these ranges, the invention achieves reliable adhesion without excessive complexity in particle preparation

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 achieves a coating layer with high formation efficiency, enhanced abrasion resistance, and improved heat conductivity, with the non-spherical hard particles providing an anchor effect and increased specific surface area for better adhesion and durability.

Implementation Method 1

forming a hard coating on the surface of a base substrate through deformation-induced transformation in a cold state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation-induced transformation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

spraying a mixture in a non-molten state including precipitation hardening copper alloy particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation hardening: Precipitation Hardening

Implementation Method 3

The coated film is formed by causing a powder mixture including a powder of a sliding alloy and hard particles to collide against a substrate by a high-speed gas stream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic spraying: Jet

Implementation Method 4

the non-spherical hard particles providing an anchor effect and increased specific surface area for better adhesion and durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3578685B1Method for manufacturing laminated member
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3578685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3578685B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for producing a laminated member includes a step of spraying a mixture in a non-molten state including a plurality of precipitation hardening copper alloy particles and a plurality of hard particles that have non-spherical shapes having a median aspect ratio of equal to or more than 1.2 and are harder than the copper alloy particles onto a base substrate to form a coating layer on the base substrate.