Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM AND METHODS EMPLOYING NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.
13/785,714
filed March 5, 2013 which claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No.
61/606,584 filed March 5, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/765,300
filed
February 15, 2013.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Currently there are many methods employed to patch potholes,
implemented by both consumers and city workers. The only fully permanent
solution is
a complete road resurfacing, which is not universally possible for both
economic
reasons and seasonal conditions. When a complete repair is not possible, there
is a
need for temporarily mitigating the hazard resulting from the potholes.
Currently there
are several relevant methods of repairing potholes similar in function to the
patch.
These methods to temporarily repair holes include fast curing concrete,
asphalt
mixtures, and gravel patches. Recently more permanent methods involving
specialized
trucks fitted with special spraying devices are being implemented as well.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with an embodiment of the subject application, a
system or
method for filling openings of an associated, generally horizontal surface
includes
implementation of at least one flexible container having a viscosity
engineered fluid
associated with an opening in an associated, generally horizontal surface. At
least one
flexible container includes a viscosity engineered fluid. At least one
flexible container is
associated with the opening such that a void thereof is substantially filled
by the at least
one flexible container.
[0004] In accordance with another embodiment, the flexible container is
inclusive
of a viscosity engineered fluid comprised of a shear thickening fluid.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, the flexible container is
comprised of a watertight sheet material.
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[0006] In accordance with another embodiment, the flexible material is
comprised
of a watertight sheet material that slowly dissolves in water over time.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, the flexible container has
an
exterior gripping surface associated therewith.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, the flexible container is
comprised of a thin, flexible tubing which is suitably cut to length in
accordance with an
opening size.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, excess engineered fluid is
removed from the container in accordance with the property of the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a pothole patch in connection with an
embodiment of
the subject application;
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein a stretchable or
deformable
casing is employed around a non-Newtonian fluid;
[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein an elongated or tube-
like
material filled with a non-Newtonian fluid is used in connection with a
pothole patching;
[0013] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment wherein flexible, foam-like
material is
soaked or otherwise impregnated with a non-Newtonian fluid or dilatant;
[0014] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment wherein a valve, such as an
overflow
valve, is provided in a fluid casing to allow for fluid egress to match volume
with an
opening such as a pothole;
[0015] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein a plurality of smaller
bags are
used in conjunction with a pothole filling or patching operation in accordance
with the
subject application; and
[0016] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment wherein a non-Newtonian fluid is
used
in conjunction with speed bumps that are soft when a vehicle traverses at a
sufficiently
slow rate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The subject application is directed generally to applications for
practical
use of non-Newtonian fluids. More particularly, the subject application
teaches an
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embodiment wherein non-Newtonian fluids are used to patch surfaces, such as
road
surfaces, quickly, inexpensively, and easily.
[0018] Matter forms much of the tangible world around us. Matter is
defined as
having both a mass, and a volume. Matter exists in one or more phases, defined
as a
region of space wherein all physical properties of matter are generally
uniform. More
common phases of matter included solid, liquid or gas. Liquids or gases, which
can
flow, are referred to as fluids. Fluid viscosity is a measure of its
resistance to gradual
deformation by shear stress or tensile stress. This forms what is noted to be
"thickness"
in liquids.
[0019] Other, less well-known states include plasma or mesophases wherein
matter is transitioning such as from a solid to a liquid. Fluids comprise
matter in a state
that deforms, or flows, when placed under an applied shear stress, and broadly
defines
matter in either a liquid or gaseous phase.
[0020] Newtonian fluids comprise those fluids most familiar to us.
Newtonian
fluids are defined as fluids wherein viscous stresses, which arise from flow,
are
proportional to a rate of change of deformation over time. This latter
property is referred
to as strain. Gaseous fluids, being compressible, will behave somewhat
differently than
liquids, which are largely incompressible, but both result in commonly
encountered fluid
behavior. If one squeezes a partially inflated balloon, one readily expects
the remaining
balloon portion to bulge proportionately. If one squeezes an ointment tube,
one expects
a proportional amount to be exuded from the tube, if opened, or cause an
expansion
elsewhere in the tube if it is not. One does not expect any marked difference
in
behavior, in either instance, whether the squeezing is done slowly or at a
more rapid
rate.
[0021] There exists a class of fluids which are referred to as "non-
Newtonian."
That is to say, non-Newtonian fluids ("NNFs") do not behave as do their
Newtonian
counterparts. There is no constant coefficient of viscosity. These fluids
deform or flow
in accordance with a shear rate, or the rapidity at which pressure, such as a
squeezed
tube, is applied.
[0022] There are two basic types of non-Newtonian fluids that are
encountered
conventionally. A first type is referred to as a shear thinning fluid. In such
fluid types,
fluid viscosity decreases with increasing shear stress. A common example is
ketchup.
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If a ketchup bottle is opened and inverted, it may be quite some time before
the ketchup
comes out. If the inverted bottle is accelerated rapidly, such as by shaking
or striking
upward, the ketchup comes out quite quickly.
[0023] A second type of non-Newtonian fluid is referred to as a shear
thickening
fluid, also known as a dilatant. In this type of fluid, fluid viscosity
increases with
increased shear stress. Some may recall SILLY PUTTY , a toy product currently
supplied by Crayola Properties, Inc. The malleable product deforms and
stretches a
large amount, provided it is stretched slowly. If it is stretched rapidly, it
will snap into two
parts very quickly. If it is rolled into a ball and compressed slowly, it will
form a pancake
shape. If it is rolled into a ball and thrown against a hard surface, it will
bounce.
[0024] The subject application teaches an embodiment implementing non-
Newtonian fluids to solve several problems. The subject application teaches
another
embodiment wherein fluids of a sufficiently high velocity are also suitably
used to solve
the same or similar problems.
[0025] Potholes, or other road imperfections, pose a life threatening,
multi-billion
dollar problem which is particularly problematic in metropolitan areas. Damage
to
vehicles, safety concerns, and economic cost from traffic backups associated
with these
hazards demand a full time repair crew in many locations. There are many
wasted man
hours and capital expenditures from temporarily filling potholes, in addition
to costs to
drivers and insurers, as well as lost business productivity and increased
fossil fuel
usage due to accidents and associated backups.
[0026] The subject application includes an embodiment for repairing or
alleviating
road damage with the use of a non-Newtonian fluid. In one embodiment, a sealed
bag
or other flexible container is supplied with a non-Newtonian fluid. Such a bag
is suitably
implemented in connection with a temporary, or even more permanent, hole
filler or
patch.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 1A, illustrated is problematic surface area 10, such
as a
roadway, sidewalk or other pathway having a substantially horizontal
orientation.
Illustrated is a surface area 12 into which is disposed a recession or
depression area,
such as a pothole 14. While a pothole is used in connection with an
illustrated
embodiment insofar is it illustrates an intuitive, problematic situation
encountered in
everyday life, it will be appreciated that the subject teachings are
applicable to any
opening having undesirable properties relative to a surrounding surface.
Illustrated also
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in Figure 1A is particulate debris or rough, bottom projections 16 as may be
expected in
many imperfect surface areas.
[0028] With
further reference to FIG. 1B, a flexible container, such as a bag or
other flexible container 20, is filled, in whole or in part, with a shear
thickening non-
Newtonian fluid 22. Alternatively, the bag is suitably filled with a
sufficiently viscous fluid
to have supportive properties corresponding to a particular support need as
will be
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art and further detailed below.
[0029] The
bag 20 is suitably sized, or available in multiple sizes, to fit within an
existing depression, such as a pothole, as illustrated with further reference
to FIG. 10.
Given the pliable nature of a shear thickening fluid, a depression having a
substantial
horizontal component of orientation will allow a bag to be received and form
against a
bottom portion thereof. While it may be particularly advantageous to have a
volume of
the depression matched by bag volume, such that an exposed surface thereof is
substantially flush with surface 12, it will be appreciated that any
embodiment wherein a
depression is at least partially filled will supply the advantages detailed
below.
[0030] In
the above-noted embodiment which addresses a pothole, a container,
such as a bag, of a suitable, non-Newtonian fluid is placed in the pothole.
Given the
size, portability, relatively low weight and flexibility of such an encased
fluid, it can be
readily transported to a needed location. By way of example, drivers, or
professionals
such as police, firefighters, or city workers suitably keep one or more bags
available for
use once an obstruction is discovered. They are suitably stored in a cab or
truck of any
vehicle.
[0031] A
suitable, viscous fluid for pothole placement is application specific, and
dictated in connection with factors including hole size, external temperature
conditions,
anticipated traffic weight, and surface area as will be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill
in the art. By way of example, a vehicle may have hundreds of pounds per
square inch
or an equivalent amount of Newtons per square centimeter to be supported given
the
relatively small contact area from a small portion of a tire circumference
relative to a
total vehicle weight supported thereby. A pedestrian may only have a fraction
of that
weight divided over a similar surface area. Conversely, a vehicle travelling
at a high
rate of speed contacts a surface for a relatively short time as compared to a
foot of a
pedestrian.
Design choices for viscosity of common-property fluids are chosen
accordingly to the specific application.
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[0032] Also of consideration for selection of fluid properties is
acceptable
settlement time, which settlement time may be associated with ambient
temperature. If
an immediate hole filling is required, that is to say, incoming traffic is
imminent, then
there may not be sufficient time for use of a highly viscous fluid that may
take minutes to
settle and conform to a pothole. Conversely, if an area is lightly travelled,
or if it can be
set apart for a period of time such as with a temporary barrier, then a more
viscous fluid
may suitably be selected. It will be appreciated that temporary installation
conditions,
such as recently mixed chemicals and/or addition of heat are also suitably
implemented
to facilitate installation.
[0033] A suitable, non-Newtonian fluid, in one embodiment includes a
mixture of
corn starch and water, in any suitable, relative concentration as will be
appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example, one embodiment of a non-
Newtonian
fluid is suitably realized by including one to two cups of water
(approximately 0.25-0.5
liters) to 1 pound of cornstarch (approximately 0.5 kilogram). Particular
proportions are
suitably dictated by particular application, such as road type, ambient
temperature,
anticipated vehicle traffic, or other external or environmental
considerations.
[0034] It will be further appreciated that other suitable, non-Newtonian
fluids,
such as sand-in-water, sand-in-antifreeze, or any other non-Newtonian fluid is
suitably
applied to a particular environment and situation. Other suable fluids may
include:
= 2% Aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) with 1% sodium borate
= 40mM cetylpyridinium chloride and sodium salicylate
= 58.7 vol% dispersion of tyrene-ethyl acrylate copolymer particles with
280nm
average diameter in glycol
= carboxylatopolyisoprene (Mn-21,000) in decahydronaphthalene in three
polymer
concentrations
= HEUR (hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane) with short alkyl
chains at
both ends of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)
= hydrolysed polyacrylamide in mixtures of glycerol and water
= polystyrene of high molecular weight in decalin
= Sodium Borate (Silly Putty )
= Silica and Silicone Oil (oil provided with a hydroxyl group at one
terminal)
= Alumina based NN
= Dilatant fluids
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= borated silicone polymers.
= polyborodimethylsiloxanes (PBDMSs)
[0035] Fluid
is suitably contained in any water-tight device that is not rigid enough
to break under stress (i.e. ceramic, glass, wood), but sufficiently pliable to
transfer the
force of an impact through the container's material to the non-Newtonian fluid
inside. In
the ideal application, a material with very robust and durable properties,
while being
water resistant would be used to contain the liquid. As an alternative
embodiment, a
container that is not fully sealed will also function as set forth herein.
Recalling that a
sudden application of force to a non-Newtonian fluid will cause it to be
rigid, the subject
applications will still function as intended with incomplete or porous casing,
either by
intentional design or by damage that may be incurred during use or
installation. By way
of further example, a dissolvable membrane, coupled with a biodegradable non-
Newtonian fluid, such as a simple cornstarch mixture, can suitably be used to
accomplish the advantages of the subject application.
[0036] A
suitable example of this material are silicone coated fabrics available
from suppliers, such as CHEMFAB materials supplied by Saint-Gobain. Other
suitable
materials include plastic film, such single ply or double-ply, suitably
including one rough
and one water resistant material would be the next best choice. In
another
embodiment, any suitable multi-ply container would is usable to house the non-
Newtonian fluid. Still other, suitable bag constituents include:
= Silicone Fabric
= CORDURA brand fabrics from lnvista
= Vinyl
= Nylon, including sealed nylon
= PVC coated fabric
= polyvinyl
= fire hose material
= Latex
= Polyethylene
= Rubber
[0037] In
any of the applications and embodiments outlined herein, the patch is
suitably covered for multiple reasons, such as aesthetics, protection from the
elements,
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wear and tear, abrasion, additional containment, or theft prevention. By way
of
example, a suitable covering may be a plastic, rubber or other flexible
sheeting.
[0038] In another embodiment, the covering may be suitably adhered to
another
surface and/or the patch itself in order to secure the patch. By way of
example, the
covering is suitably designed so that the contact between the location of a
force applied
to the patch and the patch itself has an increased or decreased friction force
provided
by the covering's material structure.
[0039] Suitable alternative fluid ports to contain the dilatant fluid in
the bag or
container may be sealed using one or a combination of the following apparatus:
= Zipper
O One or multiple
O opposite directional
O sequential e.g. one contained within the other
= Cap
O screw on
O snap shut
O water bottle
= Belts
O d-ring
O 'conventional'
= Roll Style
O pinch top, roll down to create air/watertight seal
= Open hole
O the lack of a closure - the fluid is exposed to the elements
= String/Rope
O tie or rope off opening
= Drawstring
O pull close to seal the bag
= Heat Seal/Fabric Weld
O 'permanently' seal bag, locking fluid inside
= Ziplock Style
O use interlocking closure
= Snap
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= Staple
= Stitching
= Lid (Tupperware style)
= Crimping
o can be crimped material or additional material attached to bag
= Phalange
o can be made from bag material or other material
= Adhesive
o bonded to either the fabric, or another closure
= Epoxy
o multi part adhesive for different fabrics/hard closure
[0040] In addition to the forgoing, other suitable embodiments for a
packaged,
viscous fluid or non-Newtonian fluid include repairing, filling, or covering
holes in any
surface. In another embodiment illustrated in connection with FIG. 2, a
barrier 40 is
fabricated from a viscous or non-Newtonian fluid packet wherein it is used to
absorb any
impact by deforming as illustrated in 40a. It will be appreciated that such is
applicable
in any embodiment in which a flexible material is necessary to fill a desired
space and
act as a shock absorber, stress reliever, or other force dispersion mechanism.
By way
of further example, affixing such a packet to a garage wall suitably provides
a
mechanism to prevent damage from a slowly backing vehicle, while providing an
abrupt
stopping mechanism for a vehicle that approaches the wall too quickly. Still
further
embodiments include:
= Repair or patch of fissures and cracks
= Filling of manhole recesses
= Filling of bridge joints
= Sidewalk repair
= Tarmac repair
= Mud hole covering
= Culverts
= Railroad depressions (such as beneath an eroded tie)
= Rough road shoulders
= Ramp inflection points
= Cable management/cover (plastic trapezoid cable covers at events)
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= Storm drain bevels
= Temporary curb entrance (so machinery does not have to jump the curb at
construction sites)
= Tracks (liquid while it is moving over the top but solid when it's below)
= Race track repair
[0041] Still further embodiments include:
[0042] Spaghetti tubing: This application involves filling a thin flexible
tubing with
non-Newtonian fluid. The tubing suitably kept on a role and extruded into
large piles as
needed for the repair. With reference to FIG. 3, illustrated is hole 14
wherein fluid
containing, flexible tubing 50 is inserted such that it fills a selected
volume thereof.
Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a sending device, such as cooperating rollers 52,
which are
suitably powered or manually operated to propagate tubing. In one embodiment,
tubing
is transported on medium such as spool 54.
[0043] Foam: a highly flexible foam is soaked in the non-Newtonian fluid
and
used as a matrix to house the fluid. Once contained in the foam, the
foam/sponge is
sealed with a flexible and stretchy coating, thus keeping the mixture housed.
With
additional reference to FIG. 4, illustrated is a absorptive material 60 that
is suitably
exposed to a dilatant fluid 62, such as that detailed above. Such impregnated
material is
suitably encased such as is illustrated by sealed unit 64.
[0044] Overfilled Bag: bags are made to be greatly overfilled and
incorporate a
bleeding valve so the excess material can drain allowing the bag to fit the
hole perfectly.
With additional reference to FIG. 5, illustrated is a bag or other flexible
container 70 into
which fluid 72 is placed. A valve 74 is suitably incorporated into the bag 70.
The valve
74 in a first embodiment is manually operable. In another embodiment, a check
valve is
suitably implemented. A bag 70 having a volume in excess of that of hole is
associated
therewith. A sufficient volume of fluid 72 is extracted, suitably before or
after placement
of the bag 70 in the hole 14, via the valve such that an appropriate fill
level is achieved.
[0045] Small bags: Numerous small bags are suitably tossed into the hole as
needed to form one large repair. With further reference to FIG. 6, illustrated
is hole 14
relative to surface 12, wherein a plurality of relatively low volume bags or
flexible
containers 80 are placed to achieve a desired or acceptable fill level.
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[0046] Urethane bags, made from sectioned tubes: A single long tube is
used to
create smaller bags from. Once the tube is filled, the sections are separated
simply by
raising that area, allowing the material to flow away so a heat closure can be
made.
[0047] Vacuum Sealing: a method of removing excess air from the bags so
they
do not develop pressure under load.
[0048] Packs of a stretchable "film" material that expand when needed and
yet do
not tear apart. These are suitably placed in small "packs" in any rugged bag.
[0049] From the forgoing description, it will be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill
in the art that pothole patching is a single variant of applications for the
subject
teachings. While any opening is contemplated, a more exhaustive listing of
applications
includes:
= Fissures and cracks
o suitably be any solid material
= Manhole Recesses
= Bridge Joints
= Side Walks
= Tarmacs
= Mud Hole Covering
o any temporary surface that is liquid or temporarily unstable with a solid
base
= Novelty Toy
= Culverts
= Railroad depressions (beneath an eroded tie)
= Rough road shoulders
= ramp inflection points
= cable management/cover (plastic trapezoid cable covers at events)
= storm drain bevels
= Temporary curb entrance (so machinery does not have to jump the curb at
construction sites)
= Tracks (liquid while it is moving over the top but solid when it is
below) & Tires
= Neck Braces
= Shipping padding
= Punching bag
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= Race Tracks
= Rubber
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a fluid 80 disposed in a
container,
such as flexible container 82. The container 82 is oriented relative to a
flexible surface
84 such as to cause a projection 86 therein. The container 82 is suitably
disposed in an
opening 88 of a volume 90 to which the surface 84 is associated. This relative
orientation teaches an embodiment particularly suited for orientation as a
barrier having
specified impact characteristics as will be appreciated from the description
above when
oriented in a generally vertical direction V or a speed bump when oriented in
a generally
horizontal direction H.
[0051] In any of the applications and embodiments outlined herein, the
patch is
suitably covered for multiple reasons, such as aesthetics, protection from the
elements,
wear and tear, abrasion, additional containment, or theft prevention.
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