Multi-Layer Anticorrosion Coating for Durable Vehicle Wheels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrosion-resistant wheel technologies face challenges with durability, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, lacking solutions for extended warranties and comprehensive protection against corrosion, wear, and abrasion.

Innovation Solution

A corrosion-resistant wheel design featuring a primary anticorrosion layer composed of H2Mg3(SiO3)4, Mg3Si4O10(OH)2, Zn3(PO4)2, ZnO, and a copolymer resin, with optional secondary and tertiary layers, applied through mechanical abrading, chemical etching, and various coating processes, using solvents and specific resins to enhance protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional corrosion protection coatings are applied to wheels, then some corrosion resistance is achieved, but durability and comprehensive protection against corrosion, wear, and abrasion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The corrosion protection system is divided into multiple distinct layers: a primer layer containing phosphating agents and corrosion inhibitors applied to the metal substrate, followed by one or more topcoat layers containing wear and abrasion resistant particles. Each layer performs a specific function, creating a segmented protective system that addresses both corrosion and mechanical wear separately and effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating system uses composite materials combining multiple functional components: phosphating agents (zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate) for corrosion protection, polymer resins (epoxy, polyester, acrylic) for adhesion and flexibility, and inert particles (alumina, silica, titania) for wear and abrasion resistance. This composite structure provides comprehensive protection against multiple degradation mechanisms simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple coating layers are applied to enhance protection, then corrosion and wear resistance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against corrosion and wearVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple protective functions into an integrated coating system where the primer layer and topcoat layers work together as a unified protective barrier. The primer provides corrosion inhibition through phosphating agents, while the topcoat provides wear resistance through embedded particles, creating a merged system that delivers comprehensive protection through coordinated action of combined layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If advanced corrosion-resistant materials are used, then protection performance improves, but cost-effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protection performanceVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes coating parameters including layer thicknesses (primer: 5-20 microns, topcoat: 20-50 microns), particle concentrations (20-40 weight percent in topcoat), and curing temperatures to achieve maximum protection performance at reasonable cost. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system delivers advanced corrosion resistance without excessive material or processing costs

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 solution provides a durable, cost-effective, and efficient corrosion-resistant wheel with extended protection against corrosion, wear, and abrasion, suitable for vehicle and trailer applications, ensuring enhanced longevity and warranty performance.

Implementation Method 1

applying a primary anticorrosion composition to at least one of the inner surface of the wheel body, the outer surface of the wheel body, the front surface of the mounting plate, and the rear surface of the mounting plate, wherein the primary anticorrosion composition comprises: (a) at least one solvent; (b) at least one of H2Mg3(SiO3)4 and Mg3Si4O10(OH)2; (c) Zn3(PO4)2; (d) at least one of ZnO and chelated Zinc; and (e) a copolymer resin; and forming a primary anticorrosion layer onto the applied surface(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11872589B2Corrosion resistant wheels, anticorrosion layers associated with wheels, and methods for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2024.01.16 PRP IND INC
  • US11872589B2 patent drawing
  • US11872589B2 patent drawing
  • US11872589B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a corrosion resistant wheel adapted for securement to a vehicle and/or trailer, including the steps of: providing a wheel body, applying a primary anticorrosion composition, and forming a primary anticorrosion layer.