Polymer-Coated Wires With Oxide-Bonded Insulation Against Delamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coating electrical conductors with polymers, such as PEEK, struggle with adhesion issues due to the presence of an oxide layer on the conductor surface, leading to delamination and air gaps, which can cause electrical discharges and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method involving extrusion of a polymeric insulating coating onto an electrical conductor under ambient atmospheric conditions, followed by heat treatment at or above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, creates a strong bond between the insulating coating and the conductor, even with a metal oxide layer present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional coating methods (dip coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating) are used to apply polymer coating to wires, then coating application is achieved, but uniform coating thickness and quality are difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating thickness uniformityVSAvoidcoating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical coating methods (dip coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating) with a magnetic field-based coating system. A magnetic field is applied to attract and deposit magnetic polymer particles uniformly onto the wire surface, eliminating the complexity and inconsistency of mechanical coating applications while achieving precise and uniform coating thickness control.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If magnetic field is used to apply polymer coating, then uniform coating thickness is achieved, but additional magnetic field equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating thickness controlVSAvoidcoating equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the magnetic field generation capability into the existing wire coating equipment, allowing the same device to perform both wire drawing and magnetic field-based coating application. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate, complex magnetic field equipment while achieving precise coating thickness control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the polymer coating application process with magnetic field generation in a single integrated system. The magnetic field serves dual purposes: it guides the polymer particles during application and ensures uniform deposition on the wire surface, merging multiple functions into one cohesive process that reduces overall equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If polymer coating is applied to improve wear resistance and corrosion protection, then wire durability is enhanced, but coating defects may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire durabilityVSAvoidcoating defects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coating methods that容易产生 defects (such as uneven deposition, bubbles, and contamination) with a magnetic field-based deposition process. The magnetic field gently attracts and guides polymer particles to form a uniform, defect-free coating layer, thereby enhancing wire durability while eliminating coating defects.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If magnetic polymer particles are used for coating, then magnetic field enables precise application, but particle aggregation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating application precisionVSAvoidparticle distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the magnetic field strength and gradient parameters to optimize particle deposition. By adjusting these magnetic parameters, the system achieves precise particle placement without excessive magnetic attraction that would cause aggregation, maintaining both application precision and particle distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic magnetic field that can be adjusted during the coating process. The magnetic field strength and configuration are optimized to guide particles uniformly onto the wire surface while preventing aggregation, allowing real-time adjustment to maintain stable particle distribution throughout the coating application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 results in insulated electrical conductors with high resistance to delamination, reducing the risk of electrical discharges and ensuring safety by providing a strong, durable bond between the insulating coating and the conductor.

Implementation Method 1

A coating comprising: a polymer matrix; and a magnetic oxide dispersed in the polymer matrix, wherein the magnetic oxide comprises magnetite and the coating is applied to the wire using a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field attraction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3987551B1Polymer-coated wires
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ZEUS CO LLC
  • EP3987551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3987551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3987551B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides insulated electrical conductors, e.g., wires, and methods for producing such insulated electrical conductors to combat partial discharge by enhancing bond strength between the electrical conductor and a base insulating thermoplastic layer (e.g., including a PAEK). Such insulated electrical conductors can include: an electrical conductor; an insulating coating on at least a portion of a surface of the electrical conductor; and an oxide layer between the electrical conductor and the insulating coating. Methods for producing such insulated electrical conductors can involve extrusion of an insulating polymer onto the electrical conductor under ambient atmosphere and a subsequent heat treatment step, which can also be conducted under ambient atmosphere.