Renewable-Polymer Industrial Hose for Burst Pressure Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber hoses used in various applications rely on petroleum-based materials for reinforcement and rubber layers, which are not sustainable, and there is a need for alternatives derived from renewable sources to reduce environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The development of hoses with layers formed from ethylene-based sustainable polymers such as EPDM, EPR, and PVC, derived from renewable sources, which can replace traditional petroleum-based materials, allowing for up to 95% sustainable content by weight, and using crosslinking methods like sulfur vulcanization or peroxides for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petroleum-based materials (EPDM, EPR, PVC) are used for hose layers, then mechanical properties and durability are ensured, but environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter of the ethylene monomer from petroleum-based to renewable plant-based sources (such as bio-ethylene from sugarcane or corn). This parameter change allows the hose to maintain the same mechanical properties and durability as traditional petroleum-based hoses while improving environmental sustainability by using renewable resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures with multiple layers (inner tube, reinforcement layers, outer cover) where each layer can be made from sustainable ethylene-based polymers. The composite structure combines different sustainable polymer types (EPDM, EPR, PVC) to achieve both mechanical performance and environmental benefits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sustainable plant-based ethylene polymers are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but material availability and consistency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes the chemical parameters of plant-based ethylene polymers to match petroleum-based equivalents, ensuring consistent material properties across different batches and sources. This parameter standardization maintains material availability and consistency while using sustainable renewable sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures homogeneous composition within each hose layer by carefully controlling the polymerization process and blending sustainable ethylene-based polymers to achieve uniform material properties throughout the product, addressing potential variability in plant-based feedstocks
3Strength
If crosslinking methods (sulfur vulcanization or peroxides) are used, then mechanical strength and burst pressure are improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes crosslinking parameters (temperature, time, catalyst concentration) to achieve the required mechanical strength and burst pressure with simplified processing. By adjusting these parameters, the patent reduces process complexity while maintaining enhanced mechanical properties through effective crosslinking of the sustainable polymer layers
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 use of sustainable polymers in hose construction provides a more environmentally friendly option while maintaining or improving the mechanical properties like burst pressure and tensile strength, making them suitable for high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinking methods like sulfur vulcanization or peroxides for enhanced properties
Implementation Method 2
crosslinking methods like sulfur vulcanization or peroxides for enhanced properties
Data Source
AI summary
Hoses include an inner tube, a reinforcement layer disposed outwardly from the inner tube, and a cover layer disposed outwardly from the reinforcement layer, where the cover layer and/or the inner tube include(s) a composition having a sustainable content. The composition includes one or more ethylene based sustainable polymers. The one or more ethylene based sustainable polymers is formed of ethylene monomer derived from one or more renewable sources. The one or more ethylene based sustainable polymers may be one or more of PVC sustainable polymer, EPDM sustainable polymer and EPR sustainable polymer.