Polymer-Jacket Surface Treatment for Solvent-Free Wax Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load-bearing members in elevator systems face performance issues due to wax buildup on the polymer jacket, which previous cleaning methods often address with flammable and environmentally unfriendly organic solvents, and there is a need for a solvent-free solution that effectively removes wax without adverse impacts on the system components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition comprising water, a water-soluble organic polyol or polymer, and a surfactant is applied to the polymer jacket, with optional agitation and rinsing, to remove wax without using organic solvents, thereby maintaining system performance and environmental safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic solvents are used to clean wax from the polymer jacket, then wax removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental safety and system component integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using water-soluble polymers and surfactants instead of organic solvents. This substitution maintains cleaning effectiveness through different chemical mechanisms (polymer-wax complexation and surfactant emulsification) while eliminating the harmful effects of organic solvents on the environment and system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water-soluble polymers and surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between the cleaning requirement and environmental safety. These intermediaries enable wax removal through benign chemical mechanisms that do not damage the polymer jacket or harm the environment, unlike direct organic solvent application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solvent-free cleaning compositions are used, then environmental safety is improved, but cleaning effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite cleaning composition containing water-soluble polymers, surfactants, and water. This composite formulation combines multiple functional components that work synergistically: polymers provide wax complexation, surfactants provide emulsification and wetting, and water provides the solvent medium. The composite achieves effective wax removal without relying on harmful organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble polymer and surfactant components perform multiple functions simultaneously: they clean wax, protect the polymer jacket from damage, ensure environmental safety, and maintain system component integrity. This multi-functionality compensates for the absence of organic solvents and achieves both effectiveness and safety.
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 solution effectively removes wax from the polymer jacket surfaces, enhancing the operational efficiency and environmental sustainability of load-bearing systems by preventing wax accumulation and maintaining the integrity of system components.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid composition comprising water, a water-soluble organic polyol or a water-soluble organic polymer, and a surfactant is applied to a surface of the polymer jacket
Implementation Method 2
a liquid composition comprising water, a water-soluble organic polyol or a water-soluble organic polymer, and a surfactant is applied to a surface of the polymer jacket
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of surface treating a load-bearing member comprising a tension member (28) and a polymer jacket (30) around the tension member is disclosed. According to the method, a liquid composition including water, a water-soluble organic polyol or a water-soluble organic polymer, and a surfactant is applied to a surface of the polymer jacket. A method of making a load-bearing member wherein a liquid composition is applied around the jacket of the tension member and a method for removing wax (32) from a surface of a substrate is also disclosed.