UV-C Shielding Laminate Structure for Flexible Cable Sheaths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables made of silicone rubber deteriorate when exposed to UV-C light, leading to cracks and reduced durability due to repeated irradiation, especially when subjected to bending stress.
Innovation Solution
A laminate structure with a first layer of silicone rubber and a second layer containing silicone resin fine particles for surface irregularities and titanium oxide fine particles to absorb and scatter UV-C light, enhancing resistance and slidability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable sheath is made of silicone rubber, then it has advantages such as little discoloration over time and good flexibility, but it deteriorates when exposed to UV-C light, leading to cracks and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining silicone rubber with titanium oxide fine particles and silicone resin fine particles. The titanium oxide particles absorb and scatter UV-C light, while the silicone resin particles create surface irregularities. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining the flexibility and discoloration resistance of silicone rubber while adding UV-C light protection through titanium oxide, preventing degradation and crack formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses titanium oxide fine particles as an intermediary substance between the silicone rubber and UV-C light. The titanium oxide particles act as a mediator that absorbs and scatters the harmful UV-C radiation before it can reach and degrade the silicone rubber polymer chains, thereby protecting the base material while maintaining its inherent properties.
2Ease of operation
If fine particles are added to silicone rubber to create surface irregularities, then slidability is improved, but UV-C light resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using two different types of fine particles with distinct functions: silicone resin fine particles create surface irregularities for improved slidability, while titanium oxide fine particles provide UV-C light absorption and scattering. Each particle type is optimized for its specific local function, allowing the material to simultaneously achieve good slidability and UV-C light resistance without compromising either property.
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 laminate structure effectively shields against UV-C light degradation, maintaining structural integrity and slidability, even after prolonged exposure, while preventing cracks and maintaining flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
titanium oxide fine particles to absorb and scatter UV-C light
Implementation Method 2
titanium oxide fine particles to absorb and scatter UV-C light
Data Source
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AI summary
A laminate structure includes a first layer as a substrate and a second layer provided on the first layer. The second layer is composed of a rubber composition including a rubber component, first fine particles for providing a surface with irregularity, and second fine particles for shielding UV-C light. When performing Raman mapping analysis on a first peak derived from oscillation of the second fine particles in Raman scattering spectrum obtained by Raman scattering measurement of the second layer, the second layer includes a region where an intensity of the first peak is greater in an area where the first fine particles are not present than an area where the first fine particles are present.