Ebonite-Backed Abrasion Shielding for Simpler Vulcanization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-abrasion armor elements for industrial machines are complex, costly, and hazardous to produce, with vulcanization processes requiring degreasing, sandblasting, and solvents, and they are heavy and prone to corrosion, while their fixation methods can be unreliable.

Innovation Solution

An anti-abrasion armor element with a protective layer of rubber or polyurethane secured to an ebonite support plate, which simplifies the vulcanization process by eliminating the need for degreasing, sandblasting, and solvents, and provides a lighter, less expensive, and corrosion-resistant solution with equivalent protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal support plate is used with vulcanization process, then the protective layer can be bonded securely, but the manufacturing process becomes complex, long, and expensive requiring degreasing, sandblasting, and adhesion primers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by using an ebonite support plate instead of a metal plate. Ebonite has a composition similar to rubber and polyurethane, creating material homogeneity that enables direct vulcanization bonding without requiring degreasing, sandblasting, or adhesion primers. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable bonding through material compatibility while eliminating complex preparatory manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

2Strength

If a metal support plate is used, then the armor element has high strength, but the weight increases and corrosion resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidarmor element weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by substituting the metal support plate material with ebonite. This material substitution changes the density parameter (ebonite is less dense than metal), resulting in significant weight reduction. The ebonite material also inherently provides corrosion resistance while maintaining sufficient structural strength for abrasion protection applications, resolving both the weight and corrosion resistance issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional vulcanization process is used on metal plate, then the protective layer bonds securely, but the process uses products harmful to operators and the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding qualityVSAvoidenvironmental and health hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates harmful factors by using an ebonite support plate whose composition is similar to the protective layer materials (rubber and polyurethane). This material homogeneity allows direct vulcanization bonding without requiring harmful adhesion primers, solvents, or surface treatment chemicals. The bonding process becomes environmentally friendly and safe for operators while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

4Ease of manufacture

If direct sticking method is used to fix protective layer, then the process is simple, but the fixation quality is unreliable and poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfixation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves both simplicity and reliability by using an ebonite support plate that is chemically compatible with the protective layer materials. This homogeneity enables direct vulcanization bonding without complex preparatory steps, combining the simplicity of direct application with the reliability of chemical bonding. The result is a secure, durable fixation achieved through a simple manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 ebonite-based armor element reduces production complexity and cost, offers significant weight reduction, and enhances safety and durability, with a simplified vulcanization process and improved corrosion resistance, while maintaining the same level of abrasion protection as traditional metal-supported elements.

Implementation Method 1

fixing the protective layer to the support plate by vulcanization does not require any prior degreasing of said support plate, any sandblasting, nor any use of solvents or adhesion primers that are potentially dangerous for operators and the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Implementation Method 2

bonding the protective layer to the support plate, in particular by vulcanization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4093606B1Anti-abrasion shielding element and associated manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 SOC ATCP APPL TECH DES CAOUTCHOUCS & DES PLASTIQUES
  • EP4093606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4093606B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Anti-abrasion shielding element (1) comprising a protective layer (2) made from a rubber or polyurethane material and securely attached to a support plate (3), said anti-abrasion shielding element (1) being characterized in that said support plate (3) is made of ebonite. The invention finds an application in the field of protective equipment for devices or industrial machines, in particular machines subjected to an abrasion phenomenon by aggregate-type materials.