Air Bubble Generator for Uniform Micrometer Bubbles in Polyurea

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming a resin composition with air bubbles face challenges in generating uniform micrometer-sized bubbles, especially with water-soluble resins, leading to poor air permeability and durability of coating films, and often require harmful chemicals for surface treatment.

Innovation Solution

A resin composition preparation apparatus that includes an air bubble generator with a spirally formed internal flow channel and pressure control, which introduces high-pressure air into the resin composition to create uniform micrometer-sized air bubbles, improving air permeability and film durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high-speed rotation is used to form air bubbles in resin composition, then air bubbles are generated, but the bubble size is not uniform and durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair bubble size uniformityVSAvoidcoating film durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air introduction system is segmented into multiple air introduction holes distributed across the bottom surface of the container, rather than using a single high-speed rotation method. This segmentation allows for uniform distribution of air bubbles throughout the resin composition, preventing large bubble formation and ensuring consistent bubble size for improved durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A porous plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the air source and the resin composition. The porous plate structures the air flow into controlled streams that bubble through the resin uniformly, mediating the air introduction process to achieve consistent micrometer-sized bubbles without relying on high-speed rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If water-soluble resin is used, then safety is improved (no fire risk), but air bubble generation becomes difficult and air permeability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire safetyVSAvoidair bubble generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Air is introduced into the resin composition during the mixing and application process itself, rather than requiring preliminary treatment of the resin or the substrate. This preliminary action of incorporating air bubbles directly into the water-soluble resin enables the formation of breathable coating films without compromising safety or requiring harmful chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic principles by introducing compressed air through multiple small holes and a porous plate to create uniform bubbles in the water-soluble resin. This pneumatic approach enables effective air bubble generation in water-soluble resins without requiring oil-based alternatives or harmful additives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If coating film is formed without air bubbles, then film integrity is improved, but air permeability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating film integrityVSAvoidair permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating film is designed to be a porous material with uniformly distributed micrometer-sized air bubbles embedded within the resin matrix. This porous structure provides both mechanical integrity for durability and controlled void spaces for breathability, allowing the film to maintain strength while enabling air permeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The air bubble parameters (size, distribution, concentration) are precisely controlled during the mixing process to achieve optimal balance between film integrity and air permeability. By changing parameters such as bubble size to micrometer range and distributing them uniformly, the coating film achieves both durability and breathability simultaneously.

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 apparatus effectively generates polyurea resin compositions with air bubbles of specific sizes, enhancing air permeability and film durability while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, allowing for a coating film that is both breathable and robust.

Implementation Method 1

an air bubble generator configured to disperse at least a part of the air in the composition solution and discharge a resin composition obtained by dispersing air bubbles in the composition solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas dispersion:

Implementation Method 2

the internal flow channel allows the air bubbles to be formed by convection applied as the air is rotated by the groove portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an air bubble separation tank connected to the air bubble generator such that the resin composition is introduced thereinto, configured to separate the remaining air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity separation:

Data Source

PatentUS11007494B2Resin composition preparation apparatus and polyurea resin composition prepared using the same
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 TOUCH GREEN CO LTD
  • US11007494B2 patent drawing
  • US11007494B2 patent drawing
  • US11007494B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A resin composition preparation apparatus and a polyurea resin are provided. A resin introduction unit is configured to inject a composition solution and air mixed in the composition solution. An air bubble generator is connected to the resin introduction unit. An air bubble separation tank is connected to the air bubble generator. The air bubble generator comprises: an inlet through which the composition solution and the air are introduced from the resin introduction unit; an outlet through which the resin composition is discharged to the air bubble separation tank; and an internal flow channel connecting the inlet and the outlet so as to pass therethrough. The internal flow channel comprises a groove portion configured to form the air bubbles having a smaller particle size than that of the air.