OSB Panel Surface Color Uniformity via Strand Bleaching

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Solution Overview

Problem

OSB panel materials produced from softwoods like pine exhibit non-uniform surface colors due to discolorations from fungal infestation or improper storage, leading to an aesthetically inferior appearance and the perception of using inferior wood quality.

Innovation Solution

A method involving bleaching strands, particularly using oxidative and reductive bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and ammonium thiosulfate, to adjust the color of strands before forming the OSB panel, ensuring a uniform and aesthetically pleasing surface by lightening dark strands and maintaining the mechanical quality of the panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If strands are used from softwood raw materials, then low costs and advantageous low density are achieved, but non-uniform surface color due to discoloration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsurface color uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by bleaching the wood strands before they are assembled into OSB panels. This preliminary treatment of the raw material (strands) removes discoloration and uniformity issues before the final product is formed, allowing the use of low-cost softwood while achieving uniform surface color in the finished panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If bleaching is applied to all strands, then uniform surface color is achieved, but mechanical quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface color uniformityVSAvoidmechanical quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively bleaching only the surface layer strands (face layers) of the OSB panel while leaving the core layer strands untreated. This localized treatment achieves uniform surface color where it is most visible, while preserving the mechanical strength and natural properties of the bulk material in the core layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If oxidative bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide are used, then effective lightening of dark strands is achieved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor lightening effectivenessVSAvoidbleaching process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the bleaching process parameters, specifically using hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 15-25 wt% and controlling the temperature at 15-25°C. These optimized parameters achieve effective lightening of dark strands while maintaining process simplicity and integrating easily into conventional production lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively produces OSB panels with a uniform, high-quality surface appearance, avoiding the impression of using inferior wood, while maintaining the mechanical properties and integrating easily into conventional production processes.

Implementation Method 1

bleaching agents, in particular oxidative and reductive bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonium thiosulfate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3354430B1Method for producing an osb board material
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 SWISS KRONO TEC AG
  • EP3354430B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3354430B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing an OSB panel material comprising the steps of producing OSB strands, gluing the OSB strands, producing a grit mat from the OSB strands, and pressing the grit mat to form an OSB panel material. To propose a method for producing an OSB panel material that enables the creation of an aesthetically pleasing surface, it is provided that at least a proportion of the strands are bleached.