Multilayer Flexible Hose With Silane-Bonded Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake hoses face challenges with adhesion between layers, particularly between rubber and reinforcement materials, leading to mediocre performance and potential environmental and health hazards due to the use of resorcinol-formaldehyde systems, which are harmful and may be restricted.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer flexible hose with a layer structure featuring a hydrolyzed vinyl- and amino-functionalized oligosilane-functionalized reinforcement surface, combined with peroxide-crosslinked EPDM or EPM rubber layers, reduces flexural rigidity and enhances adhesion without relying on resorcinol-formaldehyde systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resorcinol-formaldehyde systems are used as bonding agents, then adhesion between layers is achieved, but adhesion between RF systems and EPDM elastomer is mediocre and environmental/health harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful resorcinol-formaldehyde bonding agents from the hose structure, replacing them with alternative bonding methods that do not rely on these toxic substances, thereby removing the source of environmental and health harm while maintaining layer adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances or surface treatments that facilitate adhesion between layers without using harmful RF systems, serving as a mediating bonding mechanism that achieves reliable layer connection while avoiding toxic chemicals
2Reliability
If traditional bonding systems are used, then layer bonding is achieved, but bending stiffness remains too high for easy installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the bonding system and material composition to reduce bending stiffness while maintaining adequate layer bonding, allowing the hose to be more flexible during installation yet remain structurally sound during operation
3Ease of operation
If hose flexibility is increased for easier installation, then bending stiffness decreases, but adhesion between layers may deteriorate under temperature and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining different elastomers, reinforcing layers, and bonding agents that provide both flexibility for installation and stable adhesion under varying temperature and pressure conditions, with each layer contributing specific properties to balance flexibility and bonding strength
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 improves layer adhesion and reduces bending stiffness, resulting in a more robust and flexible hose with extended service life, while being environmentally and health-friendly by eliminating the need for harmful adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the at least one reinforcement carrier is functionalized with at least one organofunctional silane
Implementation Method 2
Flexible brake hoses, which typically have at least one layer based on a rubber compound and at least one reinforcing layer, are used for this purpose. Compared to rigid brake lines, they are elastic and this property changes with varying temperature conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer flexible hose is described, comprising the following layers: a single-layer or multilayer outer layer based on at least one elastomer, at least one single-layer or multilayer reinforcing layer comprising at least one reinforcing material, and a single-layer or multilayer inner layer based on at least one elastomer, wherein the surface of the at least one reinforcing material is functionalized with at least one organofunctional silane. The advantages of the multilayer flexible hose according to the invention are mainly: increased bearing adhesion, reduced bending stiffness, and good flexibility.