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Better Machines: Super Smooth and Tough Metal Surfaces

28 Submissions
$10,000 USD
Challenge closed

Challenge overview

Novel methods to produce super smooth metal surfaces on load-bearing structures in gear assemblies are required. Multiple technologies are known to the Seeker – innovative adaptations of these, or completely new methods, are required. 

Although the Seeker highly values technologies or processes that can translate from other industries that apply surface science - e.g. medical devices, nanotechnology, packaging, or many others - proposals for novel materials or processes are also very welcome. 

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

 

Roughness of load bearing metal surfaces within transmission assemblies is the major contributor to efficiency losses through internal friction. Rough surfaces, even when lubricated, produce direct metal-metal contact and result in nucleation of stress, surface pitting and liberation of metal particles into lubricating fluids. These factors all contribute to both decreased efficiency and reductions in the system lifetime. 

A novel, or improved, surface treatment, additive or coating material is required

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

  • There is a guaranteed award.  The awards will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $10,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $1,000. 
  • The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker.  Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solvers grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual, and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s).All Solvers that submitted a proposal will be notified on the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

Use the slider to explore how the Challenge process works:

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