Heat resistant separation fabric

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heat resistant separation fabrics used in car glass production, such as those made from stainless steel fibers, have a limited lifetime due to high-temperature oxidation, leading to increased costs and reduced optical quality, as existing solutions like optimizing alloy composition or using thicker yarns either increase costs or negatively impact glass quality.

Innovation Solution

A heat resistant separation fabric with stainless steel fibers and uniformly distributed boron nitride particles throughout, bonded by an inorganic binder, which reduces oxidation and maintains consistent boron nitride distribution, enhancing mechanical strength and preventing localized oxidation and deposit buildup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat resistant separation fabrics are used in car glass production, then optical quality of glass is maintained, but lifetime of fabric is limited due to high-temperature oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical quality of glassVSAvoidlifetime of fabric
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining stainless steel fibers with boron nitride particles to create a fabric that resists high-temperature oxidation. The boron nitride particles are distributed throughout the fabric structure, forming a composite that maintains both mechanical strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 700°C, thereby extending fabric lifetime while maintaining glass optical quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating boron nitride particles at critical locations where oxidation occurs most severely - specifically on the surface and at fiber interfaces. This localized distribution of protective particles provides maximum oxidation resistance where it is most needed, extending fabric lifetime without requiring uniform thick coating throughout the entire fabric structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of stationary object

If alloy composition is optimized to improve oxidation resistance, then lifetime of fabric is extended, but product cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifetime of fabricVSAvoidproduct cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses boron nitride particles as an intermediary substance that mediates between the stainless steel fibers and the oxidizing environment. Rather than modifying the base steel alloy composition (which would increase material cost), the boron nitride particles form a protective barrier that prevents oxidation, achieving extended fabric lifetime through a functional additive rather than expensive alloying elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If thicker yarns are used to improve oxidation resistance, then lifetime of fabric is extended, but optical quality of produced glass deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifetime of fabricVSAvoidoptical quality of glass
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by distributing boron nitride particles specifically at the fiber surfaces and interfaces where oxidation occurs, rather than uniformly thickening the entire yarn structure. This localized protection extends fabric lifetime without increasing overall yarn thickness, thereby maintaining the fine surface finish needed for good glass optical quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where boron nitride particles are integrated into the yarn matrix at the micro-scale. This composite approach provides oxidation resistance through the protective particles rather than through increased yarn thickness, allowing thin yarns to maintain both extended lifetime and good optical quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 fabric exhibits superior oxidation resistance, prolonging its lifetime, improving glass optics, reducing abrasion, and ensuring easy glass release from molds without sticking or marking, while being produced economically.

Implementation Method 1

The heat resistant separation fabric has superior oxidation resistance. The rate of oxidation of the heat resistant separation fabric is significantly reduced and the lifetime of the heat resistant separation fabric is thus prolonged.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

The boron nitride particles are bonded onto the surface of the stainless steel fibers by means of an inorganic binder.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

The uniform distributions of boron nitride particles prevent localized oxidation and also prevent build-up of any deposits which can cause imprinting defects.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3710625B1Heat resistant separation fabric
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 NV BEKAERT SA
  • EP3710625B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3710625B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3710625B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

Heat resistant separation fabric consisting out of yarns, wherein the yarns comprise metal fibers; wherein the heat resistant fabric comprises boron nitride particles distributed throughout the complete thickness of the fabric; wherein boron nitride particles are present between metal fibers in the yarns; wherein the amount of the boron nitride particles present on the surface of the fabric is not more than the amount of the boron nitride particles present in the bulk of the fabric.