Thermoplastic Dampening Layer for Reusable Self-Locking Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking coatings for fasteners, whether thermoset or thermoplastic, face challenges such as inability to be reused, fragility under vibration, and require special application conditions and significant curing time, limiting their practicality for self-locking functionality with improved loosening-resistance.
Innovation Solution
A composite article featuring a backing layer with a thermoplastic dampening layer, composed of a combination of first and second acrylic resins, which can be applied directly to fasteners without curing agents, providing immediate use and enhanced loosening-resistance even after unfastening and refastening, including under vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermoset locking coatings are applied to fasteners, then self-locking functionality is achieved, but the coating cannot be reused after uninstallation and fractures after curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state of the locking coating from thermoset (curing) to thermoplastic (melting), allowing the coating to be reused. The thermoplastic coating can be heated to a molten state for application and then cools to solidify, enabling multiple applications without fracturing like cured thermoset coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of thermoplastic resin combined with friction-modifying materials. This composite approach provides both the reusability of thermoplastic material and the enhanced friction characteristics needed for reliable self-locking functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermoplastic locking coatings are applied to fasteners, then reusability is improved, but the coating requires special application conditions and significant curing or drying time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase change properties of thermoplastic materials, transitioning from solid to molten state during application and back to solid upon cooling. This eliminates the need for chemical curing time while maintaining reusability, as the material simply needs to cool and solidify rather than undergo a chemical reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical curing process with a physical phase change process. Instead of relying on chemical reactions that require significant time, the thermoplastic coating uses melting and solidification, which occurs rapidly upon application and eliminates prolonged drying or curing等待时间.
3Reliability
If thermoset locking coatings are applied to fasteners, then self-locking functionality is achieved, but the coating cracks under vibration and damages plastics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties from rigid thermoset to flexible thermoplastic, allowing the coating to accommodate vibration without cracking. The thermoplastic material maintains its flexibility and adheriveness under vibrational stress, preventing the cracking and plastic damage associated with rigid cured coatings.
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 composite article with a thermoplastic dampening layer offers improved loosening-resistance and can be reused multiple times without the need for reapplication, maintaining effectiveness in the presence of vibration, thus addressing the limitations of conventional coatings.
Implementation Method 1
thermoplastic locking coatings increase friction of the fastener such that loosening-resistance of the fastener is improved
Implementation Method 2
The dampening layer is prepared from a composition including a first acrylic resin and a second acrylic resin different from the first acrylic resin
Data Source
AI summary
A composite article is provided herein. The composite article includes a backing layer and a dampening layer disposed on the backing layer. The composite article is prepared from a composition including a first acrylic resin and a second acrylic resin different from the first acrylic resin.