Metallic Glass Sheet Cladding for Structural Substrates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coating metallic glass thin films are limited by the need for a vacuum sputtering process, which is not suitable for on-site application on large or complex structures, and requires expensive equipment, making it impractical for industrial and commercial use.
Innovation Solution
A metallic glass sheet is adhered or welded onto a substrate using a low-cost, flexible process that allows for on-site fabrication, and can be formed with a micro-turbulent boundary layer to reduce skin drag and an electrical pulse generating circuit to prevent biofouling, enhancing mechanical and corrosion properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sputtering process is used to coat metallic glass thin film on substrate, then mechanical properties of the coated substrate are improved, but the process cannot be performed on-site on large or complex structures due to fixed chamber requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the metallic glass coating into separate components: a metallic glass sheet (coating material) and a substrate (object to be coated). This segmentation allows the coating material to be applied independently using various joining methods, enabling on-site application on large or complex structures without requiring a fixed vacuum chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces joining methods (adhesive bonding, welding, or mechanical fastening) as intermediaries between the metallic glass sheet and substrate. These joining methods serve as mediators that enable the connection of coating material to the substrate in field conditions, overcoming the limitation of vacuum sputtering processes.
2Area of stationary object
If sputtering apparatus is used for coating gigantic structure or long-distance object, then metallic glass coating can be applied, but the apparatus becomes too complex and difficult to build and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coating system into a pre-fabricated metallic glass sheet and the substrate structure. This allows the coating material to be manufactured separately in a controlled environment and then transported to the site, eliminating the need for complex large-scale sputtering apparatus and reducing device complexity while maintaining large coating area capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a process-oriented approach (sputtering in vacuum chamber) to a product-oriented approach (pre-fabricated metallic glass sheets). This dimensional change from process to product enables the coating material to be applied to gigantic structures without requiring proportionally complex apparatus.
3Ease of manufacture
If metallic glass sheet is adhered or welded on substrate using low-cost process, then fabrication and assembly cost is reduced, but coating uniformity and precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fabricating the metallic glass sheet with controlled properties before application to the substrate. The sheet can be pre-manufactured with uniform thickness and composition in a controlled environment, then joined to the substrate using simpler, lower-cost methods, thereby maintaining coating precision while reducing overall fabrication costs.
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 approach enables cost-effective, flexible application of metallic glass on various structures, improving mechanical properties, reducing skin drag, and preventing biofouling, thus increasing efficiency and extending the lifespan of surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A structural object or object having a substrate (1) clad with a metallic glass sheet (2) on a surface of the substrate (1)
Implementation Method 2
The present invention also comprises a process for making such an object having metallic glass sheet clad on a substrate of the object
Implementation Method 3
A metallic-glass clad conduit having a micro-turbulent boundary layer formed as a micro-structure surface in an inner surface of the metallic-glass sheet as cylindrically formed in the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 4
A metallic-glass clad conduit having a micro-turbulent boundary layer formed as a micro-structure surface
Implementation Method 5
having an electrical pulse generating circuit formed on the metallic glass sheet for producing electrical pulses or acoustical shock waves
Implementation Method 6
having an electrical pulse generating circuit formed on the metallic glass sheet for producing electrical pulses or acoustical shock waves
Data Source
AI summary
A structural object includes a substrate integrally clad with a metallic glass sheet by adhering, welding or joining the metallic glass sheet on the substrate for a low-cost, flexible and convenient fabrication, assembly, processing or construction of the object.