Hand-Moldable Laminated Surface Construction for Fluid Channeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil draining devices are inflexible, making it difficult to accommodate custom needs, and extrication pads fail to mold in-place over sharp edges, are not easily decontaminated, and inconvenient for storage.
Innovation Solution
A three-part laminated pliable hand-moldable surface construction composed of a lead sheet covered by two sheets of rubber, allowing for customizable shaping and retention of form for both fluid channeling and protective applications, with the ability to be reshaped and compactly stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional oil draining devices are used, then oil draining function is provided, but the devices are inflexible and cannot accommodate custom needs
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a fixed, rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible state through the use of a memory foam core that can be manually deformed and molded. The foam allows the device to adapt its shape and configuration to match custom drain port locations and unusual engine configurations, enabling a single device to serve multiple custom applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the device (shape, size, configuration) are changed by manual manipulation of the memory foam material. The foam's viscoelastic properties allow it to be temporarily deformed into custom shapes during use, then return to its original form for storage and reuse, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If conventional oil draining devices are used, then oil draining function is provided, but the devices are bulky and cannot be conveniently stored
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible memory foam device can be collapsed and nested within itself or within a compact container when not in use. Its ability to be compressed into a small volume for storage, then expanded and molded into a functional shape when needed, resolves the contradiction between providing adequate functional volume during use and minimizing storage volume.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If extrication pads are used to cover sharp edges, then protection is provided, but the pads fail to mold in-place over sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The memory foam material provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the protective cover to be manually molded directly over sharp edges and jagged surfaces in the field. The foam conforms to irregular geometries and maintains pressure contact with the sharp edges, providing effective protection that rigid or pre-formed pads cannot achieve.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If extrication pads are used to cover sharp edges, then protection is provided, but the pads are not easily decontaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed as a reusable component that can be easily cleaned and decontaminated after use. The memory foam material allows for simple washing and drying processes, enabling the device to be recovered and reused multiple times, reducing waste compared to disposable alternatives while maintaining protective functionality.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a pliable hand-moldable surface construction is used, then custom shaping is enabled, but the device must retain shape during use
Solution Approach 1:
The memory foam exhibits time-dependent mechanical properties, allowing it to be easily deformed during a short molding period, then retain that shape stably during the duration of use. This dynamic-to-stable transition enables both custom shaping and shape retention requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The material undergoes a functional phase transition from a soft, moldable state during shaping to a rigid, shape-retaining state during use. This phase behavior, characteristic of memory foam materials, allows the device to be hand-molded into custom configurations that are then maintained stably throughout the operational period.
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
Enables flexible and efficient channeling of liquids and protection from sharp edges, with the surface construction being reusable, decontaminable, and easily stored, addressing the limitations of conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
a center lead sheet having opposite first and second surfaces, both sheets of rubber covering the lead sheet
Implementation Method 2
The outer sheets of rubber protect the lead sheet, and provide insulative, caustic, abrasion resistance and other protection characteristics
Implementation Method 3
The outer sheets of rubber protect the lead sheet, and provide insulative, caustic, abrasion resistance and other protection characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A three-part laminated surface construction can be shaped and molded by hand and will retain that shape until the particular need is met, such as controlling the flow of liquids and resins, or establishing a protective cover. The surface construction includes a center sheet of lead with rubber layers secured over the lead. The perimeter of the rubber layers are secured together. The lead sheet can be provided with outer flaps, one soft rubber side and the other rubber side abrasion-resistant for folding around and protection from sharp objects.