Trailer Flooring Hotmelt Coating Moisture Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laminated wood flooring for truck trailers experiences moisture-related issues due to water leakage through strip-end joints, which leads to delamination and increased costs when using fiber-reinforced composite or water-impermeable layers, and conventional coatings pose environmental and handling hazards.

Innovation Solution

A hotmelt coating is applied to the floorboards, which is a 100% solids, thermoplastic or thermosetting material that hardens quickly without solvents or water, providing superior moisture protection and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional water-based latex coating is applied to provide moisture protection, then moisture protection is provided, but environmental hazards and handling issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidenvironmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating by replacing water-based latex with a hotmelt polymer coating that contains no water or solvents. This parameter change eliminates the environmental hazards and handling issues associated with conventional water-based coatings while maintaining moisture protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hotmelt coating is applied in a molten state and quickly hardens to form a protective layer. This approach uses a simple, inexpensive polymer material that provides effective moisture protection without the need for complex water-based formulations, thereby eliminating environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If fiber-reinforced composite layers are used to prevent water leakage, then moisture protection is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using expensive fiber-reinforced composite layers, the patent changes the approach by applying a hotmelt polymer coating that forms a continuous moisture barrier. This parameter change in the coating material and application method provides equivalent moisture protection at lower manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple hotmelt polymer coating material that is cheaper than fiber-reinforced composites. The coating is applied in a molten state and quickly hardens, providing effective moisture protection without the need for expensive composite materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional coatings are applied to protect against water leakage, then moisture protection is provided, but delamination occurs due to water absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coating composition from water-based to hotmelt polymer-based, which fundamentally alters how the coating interacts with moisture. The hotmelt coating forms a continuous barrier that prevents water penetration, thereby preventing delamination and maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hotmelt polymer coating provides a effective barrier against water absorption that prevents delamination. This simple polymer-based solution is more effective than conventional coatings in maintaining structural integrity by preventing moisture-related damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If hotmelt coating is applied to provide superior moisture protection, then water absorption is reduced, but application process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidapplication process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coating material to hotmelt polymer, which is applied in a molten state and quickly hardens. This parameter change actually simplifies the application process compared to water-based coatings that require drying time, as the hotmelt coating sets rapidly without complex drying equipment or extended curing cycles.

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 hotmelt coating significantly reduces water absorption, maintains structural integrity, and offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for improved moisture protection, suitable for both closed and open platform trailers.

Implementation Method 1

A hotmelt coating is applied to the floorboards, which is a 100% solids, thermoplastic or thermosetting material that hardens quickly without solvents or water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change (cooling): Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS7972707B2Trailer flooring with hotmelt coating

Publication Date: 2011.07.05 HAVCO WOOD PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A coated wood board flooring having improved moisture protection, the flooring comprising: a plurality of solid wood components which together form the wood board, such that the wood board has a first surface and a second surface; and a coating substantially free of water and solvents, wherein the coating is applied to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the wood board.