UV Coating Embedding in Plastic Patio Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic blocks, such as patio pavers, deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation, and existing solutions fail to effectively address this issue while allowing for color change and surface rejuvenation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of heat to embed UV-resistant materials like sand, titanium dioxide, or crushed glass into the outer face of plastic blocks, or applying compressive force to embed these materials, which can also change the color and texture of the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UV resistant material is embedded into the outer face of the plastic block, then protection against UV degradation is improved, but the complexity of the treatment process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against UV degradationVSAvoidcomplexity of the treatment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heat to the outer face of the plastic block before embedding the UV resistant material, softening the plastic surface in advance to facilitate easier embedding. This preliminary heating action reduces the force required for embedding and simplifies the overall process while achieving reliable UV protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the plastic block's outer face by applying heat, transforming it from a hard, resistant state to a softened, receptive state. This parameter change enables the UV resistant material to be embedded more easily into the plastic surface, reducing process complexity while maintaining effective UV protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If heat is applied to soften the plastic block for embedding UV resistant material, then ease of manufacture is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of embedding UV resistant materialVSAvoidenergy consumption for heating

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heat locally only to the outer face of the plastic block rather than heating the entire block. This localized heating approach softens only the specific area where UV resistant material needs to be embedded, making the manufacturing process easier while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies just enough heat to soften the outer face of the plastic block to the extent necessary for embedding UV resistant material, without excessive heating. This partial action achieves the manufacturing ease benefit while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption that would result from over-heating the block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If the coating is applied to existing walking surfaces, then ease of operation is improved, but the uniformity of the coating application may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of treating installed patioVSAvoiduniformity of coating application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent heats the outer face of the plastic block in advance before applying the UV resistant material coating. This preliminary heating creates a uniformly softened surface that receives the coating more evenly, improving coating uniformity while maintaining the ease of treating already-installed patios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 embedded UV-resistant materials provide protection against UV degradation, allowing for the rejuvenation and color adjustment of existing patio surfaces without compromising the structural integrity of the blocks.

Implementation Method 1

A method for treating a plastic block comprising using heat to embed a UV resistant material into an outer face of the plastic block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the outer face may be heated to a temperature about or above the melting point of the plastic block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

A method for treating a plastic block comprising using compressive force to embed a UV resistant material into an outer face of the plastic block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11332892B2Patio blocks and method of providing a UV coating

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 OMACHRON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC

AI summary

A method for treating a plastic block comprising using heat to embed a UV resistant material into an outer face of the plastic block wherein, once embedded, the UV resistant material provides a coating on the outer face. A method for treating a plastic block comprising using compressive force to embed a UV resistant material into an outer face of the plastic block wherein, once embedded, the UV resistant material provides a coating on the outer face.