Coextruded Polyamide Fluid Pipe With Flame-Retardant Outer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport pipes in the automotive and electric vehicle sectors face challenges in achieving a balance between chemical resistance, mechanical strength, flame retardancy, and weight reduction, while also simplifying manufacturing processes, as they often require complex multilayer constructions with adhesive layers that increase weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transport pipe design featuring an inner layer made from an aliphatic polyamide with an impact modifier and an outer layer comprising the same aliphatic polyamide with a halogen-free flame retardant, eliminating the need for adhesive layers and allowing for coextrusion production, thereby reducing weight and complexity while maintaining mechanical and flame-resistant properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive layers are used to bond flame-retardant material and core material in multilayer pipes, then the bond between layers is improved, but the weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bonding function and flame retardancy function into a single integrated outer layer made of flame-retardant polyamide. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers while maintaining both structural integrity and flame resistance, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and weight without compromising bond strength
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides flame retardancy, structural bonding, and mechanical strength. By making the outer layer itself capable of bonding to the core material while providing flame protection, the design eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers and simplifies the overall structure
2Strength
If adhesive layers are used to bond flame-retardant material and core material in multilayer pipes, then the bond between layers is improved, but the weight of the pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding function and flame retardancy function are merged into a single integrated outer layer made of flame-retardant polyamide. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers, thereby reducing the overall weight of the pipe while maintaining both structural integrity and flame resistance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flame-retardant materials are used in the inner layer, then flame resistance is improved, but chemical resistance to transported fluids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into functionally specialized layers: the inner layer is dedicated to chemical resistance and fluid transport, while the outer layer is dedicated to flame retardancy. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, as the flame-retardant polyamide outer layer does not contact the transported fluids
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pipe are assigned different material properties tailored to local requirements: the inner layer has high chemical resistance for fluid contact, while the outer layer has high flame retardancy for protection. This local optimization ensures that flame resistance is achieved without sacrificing chemical resistance in the fluid-contact zone
4Object-affected harmful factors
If complex multilayer constructions with adhesive layers are used, then flame retardancy and mechanical properties are improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding function and flame retardancy function are merged into a single integrated outer layer made of flame-retardant polyamide. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers and complex multi-step bonding processes, thereby simplifying production while maintaining flame retardancy and mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials, specifically flame-retardant polyamide for the outer layer, that inherently combine multiple functions (structural integrity, bonding capability, and flame resistance) into a single material system. This reduces the number of different materials and layers needed, simplifying the manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fluid transport pipe which has an inner layer, coming in contact with a fluid, comprising at least one aliphatic polyamide and at least one impact modifier and also at least one outer layer which is connected directly to the inner layer and is formed from an aliphatic polyamide and at least one flame retardant. While the inner layer ensures the chemical resistance relative to the fluids to be transported and the mechanical resistance, the flame resistance is ensured by the outer layer.