Phosphorescent Filament Ground Marking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground marking devices fail to provide sufficient visibility at night due to the challenges of incorporating phosphorescent substances into polymer materials, which affect the elasticity and manufacturing properties of the filaments, leading to brittle and non-elastic products.
Innovation Solution
A ground marking device with filaments made from a polyamide base and phosphorescent strontium aluminate pigment, with specific particle size and concentration, allowing for long-lasting photoluminescence and maintaining mechanical properties such as elasticity and resistance, achieved through a controlled extrusion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If phosphorescent pigments are incorporated into polymer filaments to achieve night visibility, then the marking device becomes visible at night, but the filaments become brittle and lose elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of the phosphorescent pigment to between 50-100 μm, which is larger than conventional sizes. This parameter change allows sufficient photoluminescence intensity while maintaining the polymer matrix's ability to form continuous, flexible filaments that do not become brittle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining phosphorescent pigment particles with a polymer matrix, where the specific particle size range optimizes the balance between light-emitting properties and mechanical flexibility, preventing the composite from becoming brittle
2Illumination intensity
If large particle size phosphorescent pigments are used to achieve sufficient photoluminescence, then night visibility is improved, but the filaments cannot be extruded correctly and break during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (50-100 μm) that serves as a critical threshold: large enough to provide sufficient photoluminescence intensity, but small enough to allow proper extrusion and formation of continuous filaments without breaking during manufacturing
3Duration of action of stationary object
If phosphorescent substances are added to polymer filaments, then the marking is visible at night, but the duration of light emission is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including particle size (50-100 μm) and pigment concentration (17-23% by weight) to achieve the optimal balance between light emission duration (several hours) and mechanical properties, ensuring filaments remain elastic and functional throughout prolonged use
4Duration of action of stationary object
If high concentration of phosphorescent pigment is used to extend light emission duration, then visibility duration is improved, but the filaments become brittle and lose elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes an optimal concentration range (17-23% by weight) for phosphorescent pigment in the polymer matrix. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient light emission duration while maintaining the polymer's elasticity and mechanical properties, preventing brittleness even at higher concentrations
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 device provides visibility for several hours, maintains mechanical integrity, and is resistant to external conditions, ensuring the filaments remain erect and functional, even after prolonged use and exposure to varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the filaments are made of a phosphorescent polymeric material... the incorporation of phosphorescent substances in a polymer base... the phosphorescence is obtained conventionally by the introduction into the composition of pigments in the form of a mineral filler
Implementation Method 2
it is essential that the device be clearly visible to users at all times of the day and night... the filaments are made of a phosphorescent polymeric material
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A ground marking device, visible by night and by day, comprising a body to be buried in the ground and having filaments protruding onto the surface of ground, said device being characterized in that the filaments are made of a polymeric material comprising a polyamide base and a phosphorescent pigment. Preferably, the phosphorescent pigment is a lanthanide aluminate. Another object of the invention is a method of production of the polymeric phosphorescent filaments, wherein a mixture comprising a polyamide-based polymer and a phosphorescent pigment is submitted to a vertical extrusion through a crosshead PE-type nozzle, and to the drawing out of the resulting filaments. The device can be installed by simply pushing it into the ground.