Microbial Oil Polyurethane Wood Core for Sporting Goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing materials used in sporting goods equipment, such as skis, are often heavy and lack sustainability, posing challenges in terms of weight, durability, and environmental impact, particularly due to their reliance on non-renewable petroleum-based materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of a composite material comprising a polyurethane foam derived from microbial oil polyols, combined with wood, which provides a lightweight and durable core for sporting goods equipment, utilizing a bio-based adhesive for lamination, thereby enhancing the strength-to-weight ratio and reducing environmental footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional petroleum-based materials are used in sporting goods equipment, then durability and strength are improved, but weight increases and sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polyurethane foam derived from microbial oil polyols with wood materials to create a hybrid structure that leverages the strength and durability of both components while reducing overall weight and environmental impact
2Strength
If traditional petroleum-based materials are used in sporting goods equipment, then strength and durability are improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by substituting the chemical composition source from petroleum-based feedstocks to microbial oil polyols, fundamentally altering the material's origin to a renewable, bio-based source while maintaining or improving performance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines bio-based polyurethane foam with wood materials to create a composite that achieves desired durability while incorporating sustainable, renewable components that reduce environmental harm
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used in sporting goods equipment, then weight is reduced, but strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where polyurethane foam provides lightweight properties while wood laminates contribute strength and durability, achieving a synergistic effect where the combination outperforms individual materials
4Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable bio-based materials are used, then sustainability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes microbial oil polyols as a readily available renewable feedstock that can be processed through established polyurethane manufacturing routes, minimizing the need for complex new processing technologies while achieving sustainability goals
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 composite material achieves a superior strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for high-performance sporting goods while promoting sustainability by utilizing renewable, bio-based materials, thus addressing the need for lightweight and durable equipment with reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing a polyol derived from a microbial oil with an isocyanate and a blowing agent, thereby generating a polyurethane foam
Implementation Method 2
the polyurethane foam is laminated to the one or more species of wood using the polyurethane based adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods for the chemical modification of microbial derived triglyceride oils, use thereof in polyurethane chemistries, and incorporation thereof as a core material alone or as part of a wood core composite in the production of sporting goods equipment, including, for example, alpine skis, touring skis, cross country skis, approach skis, split boards, snowboards, and water skis.