Lighter Protective Element Using Aliphatic Polyurethane Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighter decorations lack resistance to scratching and tearing, and do not provide a soft touch experience.
Innovation Solution
A protective element with multiple layers, including a plastic film coated with aliphatic polyurethane and an adhesive support film, is applied to the lighter body, enhancing scratch resistance and tear resistance while maintaining softness to the touch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a glossy or matte film is used for decoration, then the lighter has a decorative appearance, but the film has low resistance to scratching and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a multilayer composite structure consisting of a polyolefin base film (providing mechanical strength and tear resistance) combined with an aliphatic polyurethane coating layer (providing scratch resistance and soft-touch feel). This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both durability and decorative function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin film structure (25-200 μm thickness) that maintains flexibility and conformability to the lighter body while providing enhanced protective properties. The flexible film structure allows the decorative element to wrap around the lighter contours while resisting scratching and tearing through the specialized material composition.
2Strength
If a protective film is applied to the lighter body, then scratch resistance is improved, but the softness to the touch deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the protective coating by using aliphatic polyurethane with specific molecular structure characteristics. This material provides enhanced tear resistance while maintaining a soft-touch surface feel through controlled polymer chain flexibility and surface energy properties, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and tactile comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different functional zones within the protective element: the polyolefin base layer provides mechanical strength and tear resistance, while the aliphatic polyurethane coating layer provides scratch resistance and soft-touch surface properties. This local differentiation of material qualities allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
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 solution significantly improves the lighter's resistance to scratching and tearing while maintaining a soft touch feel, outperforming traditional glossy and matte films in these aspects.
Implementation Method 1
an outer protective film consisting of a plastic film on which is added by coating a layer of aliphatic polyurethane
Implementation Method 2
the outer protective film includes an adhesive material intended to hold the protective element onto the body of the lighter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighter comprising: - a lighter body comprising a fuel reservoir with a fuel-releasing valve; - an assembly such as a piezoelectric system, an electric system or a system having a friction wheel which can be rotated by a user to produce sparks directed to the fuel released by the valve, the friction wheel assembly being mounted on the lighter body in such a way that at least part of the friction wheel is exposed to be handled and rotated by the user; - a valve actuator that can be depressed to actuate the valve and release the fuel; - a protective element mounted on the lighter body. The protective element consists of a plurality of layers, has a thickness ranging from 25 to 200 μm and comprises an outer protective film (24) formed by a plastic film coated with an aliphatic polyurethane layer having a thickness ranging from 10 to 75 μm, containing between 30 and 100% solids, according to the degree of smoothness required.