Polyurea Coated Tool Holder Resists Liquid Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional tool supports made of polyethylene foam are prone to degradation, absorb liquids, and increase the risk of foreign objects being lost during engine assembly, particularly in the aeronautical field, where precision is critical.

Innovation Solution

A support system featuring a waterproof elastomer coating, preferably polyurea, applied to a polyurethane main body with concave receiving cavities that match the equipment's shape, providing chemical resistance, flexibility, and visual identification of missing tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If polyethylene foam is used as the tool holder material, then the material is soft and easy to manufacture, but it absorbs liquids, degrades over time, and increases the risk of foreign objects being lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder combines polyethylene foam core material with a polyurea coating layer. The foam provides structural support and ease of manufacturing, while the polyurea coating provides liquid resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and prevents foam degradation. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

A thin polyurea coating layer is applied over the polyethylene foam substrate. This flexible film provides the necessary liquid barrier and chemical resistance without significantly adding weight or complexity, while protecting the underlying foam material from degradation and foreign object contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional polyethylene foam is used, then the cost is low and manufacturing is simple, but the service life is short and it breaks up over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The combination of polyethylene foam and polyurea coating creates a composite structure where the foam provides structural integrity and the polyurea provides durability and resistance to environmental factors. This extends the service life significantly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the sequential application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The polyurea coating is applied beforehand to protect the polyethylene foam from liquid damage, chemical corrosion, and mechanical degradation. This protective layer prevents premature breakdown of the foam structure, extending its operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Quantity of substance

If polyethylene foam is used, then the material is inexpensive, but it absorbs liquids and disperses when damaged, creating foreign object contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidforeign object contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polyurea coating acts as a protective film that prevents liquid absorption and contains the foam material. Even if the foam is damaged, the coating prevents foam particles from dispersing, thereby eliminating the foreign object contamination risk while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coating transforms the potentially harmful property of foam dispersal into a contained system. The polyurea layer converts the risk of foreign object contamination into a protected environment where even if foam is damaged, no particles can escape into the surrounding area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If a thick coating is applied to ensure complete coverage and protection, then the protective qualities are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective qualitiesVSAvoidcoating cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polyurea coating is applied as a thin film that provides complete coverage and protection. The flexible nature of the coating allows it to conform to the foam surface effectively, providing adequate protection with minimal material usage, thus controlling costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure allows the thinner polyurea coating to work effectively with the foam substrate. The foam provides structural support, reducing the burden on the coating thickness, while the coating provides the necessary protective qualities. This division of functions optimizes both protection and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 prevents liquid absorption, maintains structural integrity, reduces the risk of tool loss, and ensures stable equipment support, while allowing easy cleaning and visual detection of missing items, thereby minimizing the risk of engine malfunction.

Implementation Method 1

If liquid is spilled onto the substrate, the liquid is not absorbed by the substrate, preventing premature degradation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

an elastomer has good chemical corrosion resistance characteristics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical resistance:

Implementation Method 3

due to its flexibility and elasticity, it is optimally resistant to tearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3651940B1Method for producing a holder for implements
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 2L SOLUTIONS
  • EP3651940B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3651940B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a holder (S) for holding implements, the holder (S) comprising at least one concave receiving cavity (10) designed to at least partially receive the implements, and at least one watertight elastomer coating (2) designed to come into contact with the implements.