Coated Microfibrous Web Layout for Abrasion-Resistant Radiation Coverings

Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation protection materials with polyurethane coatings on the outer surface suffer from high abrasion when used in medical applications, leading to reduced durability and performance.

Innovation Solution

A coated microfibrous web is developed, comprising a microfibrous web impregnated with a fluoropolymer and a polyurethane layer applied only on one side, which is then thermally treated to enhance abrasion resistance and water repellency, and used as a covering for radiation protection materials with the polyurethane side facing inward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a polyurethane coating is applied on the outer surface of radiation protection material, then the material gains flexibility and comfort, but the abrasion resistance deteriorates significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and comfortVSAvoidabrasion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional coating arrangement by placing the polyurethane coating on the inner surface (adjacent to radiation protection material) rather than the outer surface. This allows the flexible polyurethane layer to provide comfort and flexibility while being protected from abrasion, while the outer surface uses an abrasion-resistant fluoropolymer coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different coating materials to different surfaces based on their specific functional requirements: the inner surface receives polyurethane for flexibility and comfort where abrasion is minimal, while the outer surface receives fluoropolymer for abrasion resistance where mechanical wear occurs during medical use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If a polyurethane coating is applied on the outer surface, then the material provides adequate coverage, but the durability under mechanical stress deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecoverageVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional coating arrangement by placing the polyurethane coating on the inner surface (adjacent to radiation protection material) rather than the outer surface. This allows the flexible polyurethane layer to provide comfort and flexibility while being protected from abrasion, while the outer surface uses an abrasion-resistant fluoropolymer coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure with two different coating materials (polyurethane and fluoropolymer) on opposite surfaces of the microfibrous web, each material selected for its specific properties to address different functional requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If fluoropolymer is used for abrasion resistance, then the outer surface durability improves, but the flexibility and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidflexibility and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different coating materials to different surfaces based on their specific functional requirements: the inner surface receives polyurethane for flexibility and comfort where abrasion is minimal, while the outer surface receives fluoropolymer for abrasion resistance where mechanical wear occurs during medical use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 coated microfibrous web exhibits improved abrasion resistance, cut resistance, and tear resistance, providing superior performance characteristics compared to conventional materials while maintaining radiation protection and comfort in medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

a microfibrous web impregnated with a fluoropolymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobe: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

thermal treatment of the microfibrous web obtained in step (d)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8803115B2Coated microfibrous web and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 MAVIG GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coated microfibrous web, a process for producing the same, use thereof as a covering of a radiation protection material as well as a radiation protection device. The coated microfibrous web comprises:(i) a microfibrous web impregnated with a fluoropolymer; and(ii) a layer comprising polyurethane, which is present only on one side of the microfibrous web.