Liquid Polymer Overlay System for Surface Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface repair technologies for roadways, sidewalks, and bridges require heavy machinery and numerous workers, leading to high costs, safety concerns, and frequent repairs due to minimal longevity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for distributing a liquid polymer-based substance that, when cured, creates a durable overlay to reinforce and repair surfaces, using a system comprising holding tanks, pumps, a manifold, mixing chamber, and distribution apparatus mounted on a vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy machinery and numerous workers are used for surface repair, then the repair can be completed, but the cost increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy machinery and manual labor with a chemical-based liquid polymer system that can be applied using simple distribution apparatus. The liquid polymer flows and cures to repair surfaces without requiring complex mechanical equipment or numerous workers, thus substituting a mechanical system with a chemical process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the liquid polymer material. The material transitions from a liquid state during application to a solid cured state, allowing it to adapt to different surface conditions and repair requirements without needing heavy machinery. This parameter change enables a single operator to perform repairs that previously required complex equipment.
2Reliability
If conventional repair methods are used, then surfaces can be repaired, but the longevity of repairs is minimal requiring frequent repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite liquid polymer material that combines multiple properties: adhesion to various surfaces, flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. This composite material creates repairs with extended longevity compared to conventional methods, reducing the frequency of repair needed while maintaining reliable repair capability.
3Productivity
If heavy machinery and multiple workers are deployed, then repair work can proceed, but traffic disruption increases and worker safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for heavy machinery and multiple workers from the repair process. By using a liquid polymer system that can be applied with simple distribution apparatus operated by a single person, it removes the harmful factors of traffic disruption and worker safety risks associated with deploying heavy equipment and numerous personnel in traffic zones.
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 provides a durable, efficient, and safer repair method that reduces the need for heavy machinery and workers, increases the longevity of repaired surfaces, and minimizes traffic disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The resin and hardener are generally stable and unchanging when kept separate, but reactive when mixed. An overlay binder is formed by mixing the resin and hardener, at which point the substances react to begin the polymer curing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for distributing a liquid substance to a surface for purposes of creating an overlay to a repair or reinforce and enhance the physical properties of the surface. The invention may include a system having a pair of holding tanks for holding a resin and a hardener, a pair of fluid pumps, a manifold, a mixing chamber and an aggregate hopper. An overlay substance may be formed by the system by mixing the resin and hardener, and the substance may be dispensed through a linear distribution apparatus onto a surface in need of repair or improvement.