Slide Bearing Sliding Layer Without Adhesive Interlayers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing maintenance-free slide bearings require extensive pretreatment of metal supports and intermediate adhesive layers, which are environmentally problematic and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A slide bearing comprising a metal support with a sliding layer of a blend of fluorinated and non-fluorinated thermoplastics, where the sliding layer is extruded directly onto the metal support, eliminating the need for intermediate layers and pretreatment processes, and incorporating functional groups and fillers for enhanced adhesion and mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an intermediate adhesive layer is used between the metal support and sliding layer, then adhesion is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidlayer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate adhesive layer from the traditional three-layer structure, creating a simplified two-layer configuration where the sliding layer is applied directly to the metal support. This extraction eliminates the need for separate adhesive materials and reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining reliable adhesion through direct bonding of the sliding layer to the support surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of the intermediate adhesive layer and the sliding layer into a single integrated sliding layer. This merged structure performs both the adhesion function (bonding to metal support) and the sliding function (low friction surface) simultaneously, eliminating the need for a separate adhesive layer and simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If wet chemical pretreatment is applied to the metal support surface, then adhesion is improved, but environmental harm and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces harmful wet chemical pretreatment processes with a beneficial mechanical surface preparation method. Instead of using corrosive chemicals that harm the environment, the invention employs mechanical means (such as abrasion or roughening) to prepare the metal support surface, which not only eliminates environmental harm but also creates a surface morphology that enhances mechanical interlocking and adhesion.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes chemical pretreatment processes with mechanical surface preparation methods. By using mechanical means to roughen or prepare the metal support surface, the invention eliminates the need for wet chemical treatments while achieving effective surface preparation that promotes strong adhesion of the sliding layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If extensive pretreatment processes are used, then adhesion is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates surface preparation directly into the sliding layer application process, performing the pretreatment action simultaneously with the coating operation. The mechanical surface preparation and sliding layer application occur in one integrated step, eliminating separate pretreatment stages and reducing total process time while ensuring adequate surface preparation for adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the pretreatment function and the sliding layer application function into a single integrated process step. By merging these operations, the invention eliminates the need for separate pretreatment and coating stages, reducing manufacturing complexity and increasing production efficiency while maintaining reliable adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures long-term adhesion of the sliding layer to the metal support without ecologically problematic pretreatment, reducing production costs and environmental impact while providing excellent sliding properties and extended lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a sliding layer extruded on and in direct contact with the metal support, the sliding layer comprising at least one fluorinated thermoplastic and at least one non-fluorinated thermoplastic, wherein the at least one fluorinated thermoplastic comprises a functionalized polymer having functional groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Maintenance-free slide bearings which comprise a layer structure having a metallic support material, an intermediate layer and a sliding layer applied thereto have been known for a long time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP2901031B1Maintenance-free slide bearing with a combined adhesive sliding layer
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 SAINT GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS PAMPUS GMBH
  • EP2901031B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2901031B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2901031B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

Slide bearings and methods of producing slide bearings are disclosed. The slide bearing has a metal support and a sliding layer. No other layer is in contact with the sliding layer. The sliding layer is applied directly to the metal support. The sliding layer comprises a mixture of at least two polymers P1 and P2, wherein P1 is a fluoropolymer. P2 is a non- fluorinated thermoplastic polymer.