Pad-Printed Elastomer Coating for Stable Textile Sheath Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Textile sheaths used for protecting exhaust gas recycling tubes in motor vehicles deform and lose protective characteristics when cut to length, causing pollution due to filament detachment and inadequate elastomer application methods that result in uneven and excessive elastomer usage.
Innovation Solution
A method using pad printing to apply a uniform elastomer layer specifically on portions of the sheath, controlling mechanical tension and using polychloroprene elastomer for precise deposition without heating, which reduces deformation and pollution by bonding interlaced filaments effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sheath is passed into a bath of liquid elastomer to apply elastomer, then the elastomer application covers the sheath, but the elastomer layer becomes non-uniform and thicker than necessary, causing excessive elastomer consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies elastomer only to specific portions of the sheath (such as ends or specific zones requiring protection) rather than coating the entire sheath uniformly. This localized application reduces elastomer consumption while maintaining necessary protective properties where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying elastomer to the entire sheath surface, the invention uses partial action by coating only the necessary portions. This avoids excessive elastomer application and reduces material consumption while still achieving the desired protective effect.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the sheath is heated in a hot air oven at 150°C to dry the elastomer, then the elastomer dries, but the sheath deforms due to modification of dimensions and elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the drying parameters by using lower temperatures and extended time periods instead of high-temperature rapid drying. This alternative parameter combination achieves elastomer drying while preventing sheath deformation and maintaining dimensional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses preliminary cushioning by allowing gradual moisture evaporation at lower temperatures before final drying, preventing sudden dimensional changes and deformation that would occur with rapid high-temperature drying.
3Length of moving object
If the sheath is cut to length, then the sheath can be installed, but the ends splay and lose protective characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies elastomer to the sheath portions before cutting to length. This preliminary elastomer application stabilizes the sheath structure, preventing end splaying and maintaining protective characteristics after cutting and during installation.
4Length of moving object
If the sheath is cut to length, then the sheath can be installed, but pieces of filaments detach causing pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer is applied to the sheath before cutting, creating a bonding effect that secures filament ends. This preliminary bonding prevents filament detachment and pollution during the cutting and subsequent handling operations.
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 prevents splaying and deformation of sheath ends, reduces pollution from filament detachment, and allows for precise elastomer usage, ensuring the sheath maintains protective properties even at high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a step of depositing an elastomer layer on a portion of the sheath by a pad printing process
Implementation Method 2
the elastomer layer being adapted to bond the interlaced filaments of the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying an elastomer on a sheath (2) includes the step of applying by pad-printing an elastomer layer on a portion (20) of the sheath (2). A pad-printing machine (1) is also provided for implementing the method. The invention can particularly be used for textile sheaths used in the protection of exhaust-gas flow pipes in an automobile.