Polyurethane-Polyurea Layered Arresting System for Harsh Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft arresting systems are ineffective in harsh weather conditions and prone to destruction from environmental and aircraft-related factors, lacking sufficient resistance and requiring costly and environmentally unfriendly materials.
Innovation Solution
An energy-absorbing system comprising a concrete base with polyurethane and polyurea layers on a frangible support, applied in a planar manner at the end of runways or roads, providing superior arresting properties and resistance to environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cellular cement materials or lightweight aggregate foams are used, then energy absorption capability is improved, but resistance to environmental factors and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of multiple layers: a frangible support layer (e.g., expanded polystyrene beads in concrete), a polyurethane foam layer, and a polyurea coating layer. Each material contributes different properties - the frangible support provides initial energy absorption, the polyurethane layer adds flexibility and cushioning, and the polyurea layer provides environmental resistance and durability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of the arresting system are designed with locally optimized properties: the frangible support layer at the bottom provides structural energy absorption, the polyurethane middle layer provides flexible cushioning, and the polyurea top layer provides environmental protection and surface resistance. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to specialize in specific functions, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and environmental durability.
2Loss of energy
If conventional arresting systems are used, then initial energy absorption is achieved, but long-term effectiveness under harsh weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polyurethane and polyurea layers are applied beforehand to protect the frangible support layer from environmental degradation. These protective layers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions (freezing temperatures, rain, hail, sun exposure) before they can damage the underlying energy-absorbing materials, thereby preserving long-term effectiveness while maintaining initial energy absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite structure ensures that the frangible support layer maintains its energy absorption properties over time by being protected from environmental factors. The polyurethane and polyurea layers act as protective barriers that prevent weathering, freezing, and mechanical damage, thus extending the service life and long-term effectiveness of the arresting system.
3Ease of manufacture
If lightweight aggregate foams made from recycled glass are used, then cost is reduced, but surface resistance and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The polyurea coating layer is specifically applied to the surface to provide high resistance to environmental factors and aircraft-related damage, while the frangible support layer using recycled glass aggregates provides cost-effective bulk energy absorption. This local differentiation allows the surface layer to specialize in strength and resistance, while the bulk material focuses on cost-effective energy absorption.
4Loss of energy
If current arresting systems are used, then basic energy absorption is provided, but resistance to aircraft-caused conditions and environmental degradation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of frangible support material, polyurethane foam, and polyurea coating creates a composite structure where each layer protects against specific harmful factors. The polyurea layer provides excellent resistance to UV radiation, chemical exposure, and physical damage from aircraft operations, while the polyurethane layer provides flexibility and additional protection, and the frangible support provides structural energy absorption. This multi-layer composite approach comprehensively addresses various environmental and aircraft-caused degradation factors.
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 system effectively arrests vehicles by absorbing energy, demonstrating superior performance compared to existing systems, with the combination of polyurethane and polyurea layers enhancing durability and resistance to environmental factors while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing system comprising a concrete subbase positioned on a frangible support and being covered with at least one polyurethane layer and at least one polyurea layer
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy absorbing system for arresting a vehicle (1) comprising a concrete subbase (2) positioned on a frangible support (3) and being covered with at least one polyurethane layer (4) and at least one polyurea layer (5) and a method for producing the same.