Fire-Resistant Aviation Laminate for Aircraft Cabin Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional veneer systems used in aircraft interiors require labor-intensive chemical treatments for fire resistance, which can be inconsistent and environmentally unfriendly, and may discolor the material.

Innovation Solution

A fire-resistant aviation laminate comprising an intumescent backer sheet made of mineral fiber and exfoliating graphite with an organic binder, bonded to a decorative wood veneer using an adhesive layer, providing structural support and preventing fire propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical treatment is applied to traditional veneer systems for fire resistance, then fire resistant requirements are met, but the treatment is labor intensive and may discolor the veneer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidlabor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite laminate structure consisting of a decorative veneer layer bonded to a fire-resistant backer board layer. This composite construction provides fire resistance without requiring chemical treatment of the veneer itself, thereby eliminating discoloration issues and reducing labor intensity compared to traditional chemical treatment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If chemical treatment is applied to traditional veneer systems for fire resistance, then fire resistant requirements are met, but the treatment is environmentally unfriendly and results are inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fire-resistant property from the decorative veneer by bonding it to a dedicated fire-resistant backer board. This separation eliminates the need for environmentally harmful chemical treatments on the veneer while ensuring consistent fire resistance performance through the use of certified fire-resistant core materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If chemical treatment is applied to traditional veneer systems for fire resistance, then fire resistant requirements are met, but repetitive treatments are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidrepetitive treatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fire-resistant backer board is pre-manufactured with certified fire-resistant properties before being bonded to the decorative veneer. This preliminary preparation of fire resistance in the core layer eliminates the need for repetitive chemical treatments on the veneer, saving time and ensuring consistent performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If intumescent backer sheet is used instead of chemically treated veneer, then fire resistance is achieved without discoloration, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistance consistencyVSAvoidlaminate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the laminate into two distinct functional layers: a decorative veneer layer for aesthetics and a fire-resistant backer board layer for safety. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, with the backer board providing consistent fire resistance without affecting the veneer's appearance, while the overall structure remains manageable through standard bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 offers consistent, environmentally friendly, and structurally advantageous fire resistance without discoloration, reducing the need for repetitive treatments and meeting regulatory standards for aircraft interiors.

Implementation Method 1

an intumescent backer sheet made of mineral fiber, exfoliating graphite and an organic binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntumescent: Intumescent Materials

Implementation Method 2

exfoliating graphite and an organic binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP3168040B1Aircraft cabin component comprising a fire-resistant aviation laminate
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP3168040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3168040B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An aviation laminate includes an intumescent backer sheet covered by a decorative sheet. The aviation laminate is generally fire-resistant, may be structural, and may be used to construct various components within an aircraft cabin that may be held to government/regulatory fire mitigation requirements.