Induction Drying of Water-Based Paint on Vehicle Rubber Mounts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coating methods for anti-vibration rubber vehicle components face inefficiencies in drying paint applied to metal fittings, leading to energy wastage and potential cracking due to uneven drying, and the risk of paint ignition with induction heating.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of water-based paint to metal fittings exposed on anti-vibration rubber components, where induction heating is used to efficiently dry the paint from the inner surface, preventing ignition and reducing cracking risks by controlling temperatures below the paint's boiling point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If induction heating is used to dry organic solvent paint, then drying efficiency is improved, but paint ignition risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidpaint ignition risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent type parameter from organic solvent to water-based solvent. This parameter change allows the use of induction heating for drying while eliminating ignition risk, as water-based paints do not contain flammable organic solvents. The drying process still benefits from induction heating's efficiency while the harmful factor of ignition is removed through this material parameter substitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If entire anti-vibration rubber is heated in steam oven, then paint drying is achieved, but energy consumption and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaint drying completenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by heating only the metal fitting portion that requires paint drying, rather than heating the entire anti-vibration rubber assembly. The induction heating device is positioned to target specifically the metal fitting, separating the heating zone from the rest of the rubber component. This localized approach reduces energy consumption and drying time while still achieving complete paint drying on the metal surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying different thermal treatment to different parts of the assembly. The metal fitting receives intensive induction heating for rapid paint drying, while the rubber portions are either preheated gently or not heated at all. This localized differential heating approach optimizes energy efficiency by applying heat only where necessary for paint removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If entire anti-vibration rubber is heated in steam oven, then paint drying is achieved, but drying time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaint drying completenessVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drying process to focus induction heating specifically on the metal fitting portion containing the paint. This localized heating eliminates the time required to heat and then cool down the entire rubber assembly, significantly reducing total drying time while maintaining complete paint drying effectiveness on the metal surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If coated film is dried from outer surface, then drying is achieved, but cracks may occur on surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying speedVSAvoidsurface crack prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional drying approach by heating the metal fitting from its interior/substrate side rather than from the painted surface side. The induction heating generates heat within the metal fitting that conducts outward through the paint layer, causing the paint to dry from the substrate interface toward the surface. This reversed drying gradient prevents surface cracking by ensuring the paint film remains flexible during drying and eliminates the rapid surface shrinkage that causes cracks in conventional external heating methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This method allows for rapid and efficient drying of the paint on metal fittings, suppressing cracking and ignition risks, while ensuring a dense, high-quality coated film, and enables efficient preheating and drying processes with induction heating.

Implementation Method 1

a paint drying step of heating the metal fitting by induction heating to dry the water-based paint applied to the metal fitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

heating the metal fitting by induction heating to dry the water-based paint applied to the metal fitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11543001B2Coating method and manufacturing method for anti-vibration rubber for vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 TOYO TIRE CORP

AI summary

A method for coating a liquid-sealed mount rubber includes: a paint application step of applying a water-based paint to an outer tube fitting appearing on an outer surface of a liquid-sealed mount rubber; and a paint drying step of heating the outer tube fitting by induction heating to dry the water-based paint applied to the outer tube fitting.