Pipeline Coating With Plasma Adhesion Promoter Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coating motor vehicle pipelines with fuel and hydraulic fluids using metal inner pipes are complex, costly, and raise environmental and health concerns due to the need for wet-chemical processes with precise parameter settings and complex pretreatment measures.

Innovation Solution

Applying an adhesion promoter layer by plasma coating on a metal inner pipe with a metal layer, followed by an outer polymer layer, eliminates the need for complex parameter settings and reduces environmental and health impacts, allowing for a more straightforward, cost-effective, and reproducible process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wet chemical processes are used to apply adhesion promoter layer, then the adhesion promoter can be applied to the metal layer, but complex parameter settings and pretreatment are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of manufacturing processVSAvoidparameter setting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wet chemical processes with plasma coating technology to apply the adhesion promoter layer. This substitution eliminates the need for complex chemical parameter settings (temperature, pH, mixing ratios) and extensive surface pretreatment, while achieving homogeneous and controlled coating application through plasma physics-based processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter space from chemical parameters (pH, temperature, concentration) to plasma parameters (power, gas flow, pressure, treatment time). This parameter transformation simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for precise chemical parameter control while maintaining manufacturing precision through plasma process control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If wet chemical processes are used to apply adhesion promoter layer, then the adhesion promoter can be applied to the metal layer, but environmental and health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of manufacturing processVSAvoidenvironmental and health impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wet chemical processes with plasma coating technology. This substitution eliminates harmful chemical solvents and reagents from the manufacturing process, removing environmental and health hazards associated with chemical exposure, waste disposal, and air emissions, while maintaining the ability to apply adhesion promoter layers effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If plasma coating is used to apply adhesion promoter layer, then the application process is simplified and costs are reduced, but homogeneous and defect-free coatings must be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of manufacturing processVSAvoidcoating homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes plasma coating parameters (power density, gas composition, treatment time, pressure) to achieve homogeneous adhesion promoter layer application. The plasma process inherently provides uniform energy distribution and chemical reactivity across the surface, enabling consistent coating thickness and composition without the parameter complexity of wet chemical methods.

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 plasma coating method simplifies the application of adhesion promoter layers, ensuring homogeneous and defect-free coatings with consistent thickness, reducing costs and environmental concerns while maintaining high precision and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

at least the adhesion promoter layer is applied by plasma coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma coating: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

the plasma coating is carried out as physical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

the plasma coating is carried out as chemical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 4

the metal layer is applied to the metallic inner tube by a hot-dip coating process. The metallic inner tube can be guided through the molten metal for the metal layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot-dip coating:

Data Source

PatentEP3940106A1Pipeline and method for coating a pipeline
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 TI AUTOMOTIVE HEIDELBERG
  • EP3940106A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3940106A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3940106A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for coating a pipeline, in particular an automotive pipeline, wherein a metallic inner pipe is used and the outer surface of the metallic inner pipe is provided with at least one metal layer. Subsequently, an adhesion promoter layer is applied to the metal layer. The pipeline is then provided with at least one outer layer. The adhesion promoter layer is applied by plasma coating.