Curable Silicone Fluorescent Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photo-curable silicone compositions face limitations in cure-through-depth (CTD) and lack a method for detecting cured polymer, as conventional fluorescent agents impair curing and reduce the depth of cure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a solid photoinitiator and a fluorescent dye into a curable silicone composition, along with a solvent, allows for full photo-curing at high depths and provides a detectable silicone product through fluorescence, using light of appropriate wavelengths to trigger an optical response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a fluorescent agent is incorporated into photo-curable silicone composition, then detection of cured polymer is enabled, but depth of cure is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of cured polymerVSAvoiddepth of cure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the photoinitiator system into multiple components with different absorption characteristics. By using a combination of photoinitiators that absorb at different wavelengths, the system can penetrate deeper into the material while still activating the fluorescent agent for detection purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by selecting photoinitiators and fluorescent agents with specific absorption and emission spectra. This allows optimization of both detection capability and curing depth by matching the light source wavelength to the combined absorption profile of the photoinitiator-fluorescent agent system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional fluorescent agents are used in photo-curable silicone, then visibility of cured composition is improved, but curing effectiveness is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of cured compositionVSAvoidcuring effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specially selected photoinitiator system as an intermediary between the light source and the fluorescent agent. This intermediary absorbs the curing light and transfers energy to both initiate polymerization and activate fluorescence, thereby decoupling the conflicting requirements of effective curing and visible detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite photoinitiator-fluorescent agent system where the components work synergistically. The composite system allows simultaneous achievement of effective curing (through photoinitiator action) and detection (through fluorescent agent emission) without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If photo-curable silicone composition is used, then curing speed is increased, but depth of cure is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring speedVSAvoiddepth of cure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic curing system where the photoinitiator concentration and type can be optimized for different depths. The system adapts to varying light penetration conditions by using photoinitiators with appropriate absorption coefficients, allowing fast surface curing while maintaining effective deep curing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-wavelength or staged lighting approach where different wavelengths or intensities are applied at different stages or depths. This periodic action allows the light to penetrate to required depths while maintaining high curing rates at the surface through optimized photoinitiator selection.

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

The composition achieves CTD up to 50 mm, enabling effective curing and detection of the silicone presence, overcoming the limitations of conventional photo-curable silicones by maintaining cure depth and visibility.

Implementation Method 1

photo-curable silicone compositions which may be cured using light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

exposing the silicone composition to a light of wavelength appropriate to trigger an optical response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

exposing the silicone composition to a light of wavelength appropriate to trigger an optical response by the fluorescent agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS8013314B2Curable silicone compositions incorporating a fluorescent detection system

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present invention relates to curable silicone compositions which include a fluorescent agent for detection purposes and which have a cure system which enables the silicone compositions to possess improved depth of cure. The silicone compositions are photocurable, and may also be moisture or heat curable.