De-icing Lubricant Composition for Frozen Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machinery and moving components are often rendered stationary due to frozen moisture, requiring a two-step process of ice removal followed by lubrication, which can be unsafe or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A de-icing lubricant composition comprising isopropyl alcohol (60-90% by weight) and mineral oil (10-30% by weight), optionally with a dye and CO2 propellant, that both de-ices and lubricates frozen components, allowing residual lubrication to facilitate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-step method is used to remove ice first and then apply lubricant, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but operation safety deteriorates and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ice removal and lubrication functions into a single composition. The de-icing agent (isopropyl alcohol) and lubricant (mineral oil) are merged into one sprayable composition that simultaneously removes ice and provides lubrication, eliminating the need for separate steps and improving operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition serves multiple functions: it acts as both a de-icing agent and a lubricant. This multi-functional approach allows a single application to achieve both ice removal and movement facilitation, reducing the need for multiple products and steps.
2Reliability
If a two-step method is used to remove ice first and then apply lubricant, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate processes (ice removal and lubrication) into a single composition and application step. The unified composition contains both de-icing and lubricating components that work together, simplifying the overall process while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If mineral oil is used as lubricant, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but volatility and evaporation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameter of the lubricant by using mineral oil instead of more volatile lubricants. This parameter change ensures the lubricant remains on the surface longer, providing sustained lubrication without rapid evaporation, while still allowing the de-icing agent to function.
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
Effectively removes ice and frozen condensation while providing a residual lubricant to restore mobility to frozen components, suitable for various applications including coupling connections and windshields, with excellent creep properties and non-streaking performance.
Implementation Method 1
The isopropyl alcohol may be 60-90% of the composition by weight... effectively removes ice and frozen condensation
Implementation Method 2
remove the freezing attributes of ice and frozen condensation from components
Implementation Method 3
allow a residual penetrant and lubricant to remain on the moving components to assist in regaining movement
Data Source
AI summary
A de-icing lubricant composition is provided, including isopropyl alcohol; and mineral oil. The isopropyl alcohol may be 60-90% of the composition by weight. The mineral oil may be 10-30% of the composition by weight. The composition may include a dye and/or a propellant. The propellant may be CO2. A method of restoring mobility to frozen components is also provided by applying a composition as described above to a frozen component.