Multilayer Coated Mounting Screw for C3 Corrosion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paint-coated mounting screws lack sufficient corrosion resistance, particularly in climate stress categories C3 and C4, leading to premature deterioration of structures and potential non-compliance with guidelines, as they do not match the corrosion resistance of the sheet metal products they are used with.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer coating system comprising a cathodic protective layer, a pretreatment layer with silane as an adhesion promoter, a ground coat layer with corrosion-preventive components like strontium chromate, and a top coat layer, which improves adhesion and corrosion resistance, and includes a pretreatment layer for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single paint coat is applied to mounting screws, then manufacturing cost and process complexity are reduced, but corrosion resistance is insufficient for climate stress category C3

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcoating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a cathodic protective layer (zinc coating) providing base corrosion protection, a ground coat layer containing corrosion-preventive components like strontium chromate, and a top coat layer providing weather resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in specific protective functions, achieving C3 climate stress resistance that a single paint coat cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structure combining different coating types: metallic cathodic protection layer (zinc), chemical conversion layer with corrosion inhibitors (strontium chromate, potassium dichromate), and organic paint layers. This composite approach integrates multiple protection mechanisms (cathodic protection, chemical inhibition, physical barrier) to achieve superior corrosion resistance for severe climate conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If stainless steel (A2 or A4) screws are used for climate stress category C3, then corrosion resistance is sufficient, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the base material from carbon steel to expensive stainless steel, the invention changes the parameters of the coating system: applying multiple layers with specific compositions (cathodic zinc layer, ground coat with strontium chromate at 5-20% concentration, top coat). This parameter optimization allows carbon steel screws to achieve C3 climate stress resistance equivalent to stainless steel at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses inexpensive carbon steel as the base material (analogous to disposable/short-living material) but extends its service life through the multi-layer coating system. The cathodic protective layer and corrosion-inhibiting ground coat prevent rust penetration, effectively making the cheap carbon steel screw durable enough for C3 climate conditions without requiring expensive stainless steel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If paint coating is applied only to the head and washer, then material usage and manufacturing complexity are reduced, but corrosion protection coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protection coverageVSAvoidpainting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different coating qualities to different locations: the cathodic protective layer covers the entire screw surface including threads and shank, while the ground coat and top coat are applied to exposed surfaces (head, washer, and upper threaded portion). This local quality approach ensures corrosion protection where needed most (exposed areas) while using the economical cathodic layer for full coverage, balancing protection and cost.

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 multilayer coating system significantly enhances corrosion resistance to match or exceed climate stress category C3, increases dent resistance, and extends the life cycle of the mounting screws, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the operational safety of sheet metal products.

Implementation Method 1

a cathodic protective layer arranged on the basic part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCathodic protection:

Implementation Method 2

a pretreatment layer with silane as an adhesion promoter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

The efficiency of such a compound may be based on chemical reactions with water and/or on physical prevention of permeation of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reactions with water:

Implementation Method 4

physical prevention of permeation of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation prevention: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2454496B1Mounting screw and its manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 KINGI OY
  • EP2454496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2454496B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2454496B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A mounting screw (1) as well as a method and arrangement for manufacturing it. The mounting screw (1) comprises a metallic basic body part (3) and it is at least partly painted. The mounting screw (1) comprises two or more paint coat layer (5, 6), of which the ground coat layer (5) comprises a component that increases corrosion resistance.