Veneer Panel With Metal Mesh Layer for Vehicular Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current veneer panels, such as paper-backed and fleece-backed panels, are prone to tearing, wrinkling, delamination, and flammability, limiting their use in vehicular applications, while two-ply panels are susceptible to cracking and breaking.

Innovation Solution

A 3-ply veneer panel design featuring a wood veneer, a metal mesh layer, and a backing layer bonded together with a thermoset adhesive, where the metal mesh is made of stainless steel or aluminum with a specific wire diameter and weave, and the adhesive penetrates through all layers for enhanced strength and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If paper-backed or fleece-backed veneer panels are used, then the panels can be made flexible and decorative, but they are prone to tearing, wrinkling, and delamination

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidresistance to tearing and delamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a veneer layer, a woven fabric reinforcement layer, and a thermosetting resin matrix. The woven fabric acts as a carrier and reinforcement, preventing the veneer from tearing and wrinkling while maintaining flexibility. The thermosetting resin bonds all layers together, preventing delamination and providing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible veneer panels are used in vehicular applications, then adaptability is improved, but flammability limits their usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability in vehicular applicationsVSAvoidflammability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thermosetting resin matrix that provides fire resistance, fundamentally changing the fire safety parameters of the panel. This allows the flexible veneer panel to meet vehicular application requirements where flammability would otherwise be a limiting factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If two-ply veneer panels are used to provide flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but they are susceptible to cracking and breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidresistance to cracking and breaking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a woven fabric reinforcement layer between the veneer and backing, creating a three-layer composite structure. This woven fabric acts as a tensile reinforcement that prevents cracking and breaking while allowing the panel to remain flexible. The thermosetting resin matrix binds all layers together, distributing stresses and preventing structural failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If more than two plies with metal mesh layers are used, then strength and fire resistance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strength and fire resistanceVSAvoidnumber of layers and materials
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically places the woven fabric reinforcement layer specifically between the veneer and backing where it is needed for tensile strength and crack prevention. The thermosetting resin is applied as a matrix that penetrates and bonds all layers together. This targeted approach provides maximum strength and fire resistance with minimal additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 3-ply veneer panel achieves improved flexibility, resistance to delamination, and enhanced strength, making it suitable for vehicular applications while maintaining a decorative surface, and the use of metal mesh provides fire resistance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoset adhesive bonding the wood veneer to the metal mesh and the backing layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the use of metal mesh provides fire resistance and durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFire resistance: Refractory Material

Data Source

PatentEP3085529B1Flexible veneer panel with metal mesh layer
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP3085529B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3085529B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3085529B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A veneer panel 100 is provided. The panel may comprise a face veneer 102, a metal mesh 106 proximate the veneer, a backing layer 110 proximate the metal mesh 106, and a thermoset adhesive bonding the wood veneer to the metal mesh 106 and the backing layer 110. A method of making a veneer panel 100 is also provided. The method may comprise the steps of forming a veneer assembly by stacking a face veneer 102, a metal mesh 106, and a backing layer 110, applying an adhesive material 108 between a back surface of the face veneer 102 and the metal mesh 106, and pressing the veneer assembly.