Duct Shield and Flange Support for Fire Containment Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for shield and flange support in ducts lack adequate rigidity and fire containment, particularly in high-temperature environments, which can lead to compromised safety and regulatory compliance in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A duct system with a shield and flange support design that includes a composite polymer body with interlocking sections and a fire retardant coating, providing additional rigidity and protection through a hollow cavity that can be filled with insulating fluids or solid fire retardant materials, and featuring a flange support structure that extends outwardly to enhance structural integrity and shield against thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a duct system uses conventional flange support without additional shielding, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fire containment capability and structural integrity deteriorate under thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is nested within the duct system, with the flange support integrated into the shield assembly. The hollow cavity of the shield can contain insulating materials or fire retardant substances, creating a nested configuration where smaller functional elements are housed within the shield's cavity, thereby enhancing fire containment without proportionally increasing external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The shield and flange support are constructed using composite materials that combine structural integrity with fire resistance properties. The use of materials that can withstand high temperatures while maintaining structural strength addresses the fire containment requirement without necessitating overly complex designs
2Temperature
If the duct system adds a shield with hollow cavity for insulation, then the thermal protection improves, but the weight of the stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield employs a hollow cavity structure that provides thermal insulation through an air gap or lightweight insulating materials, rather than requiring thick solid barriers. This shell-based approach achieves thermal protection while minimizing the addition of weight compared to solid insulation layers
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure is divided into sections that can be optimally designed for different thermal and structural requirements. The segmentation allows strategic placement of insulating materials only where thermal protection is most critical, reducing overall material usage and weight while maintaining effective thermal barriers
3Strength
If the flange support extends outwardly to enhance structural integrity, then the rigidity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange support is merged with the shield structure, forming an integrated assembly where the flange extends outwardly from the shield body. This combination allows the flange and shield to be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to fabricating and assembling separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The flange support features localized reinforcement at critical stress points, such as the connection between the flange and the shield body. This local quality approach provides enhanced structural integrity where needed without requiring increased complexity throughout the entire flange structure
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 enhances the structural integrity and fire containment capabilities of the duct system, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting against thermal stress and fire penetration, thereby improving passenger safety in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a fire retardant coating, providing additional rigidity and protection through a hollow cavity that can be filled with insulating fluids or solid fire retardant materials
Implementation Method 2
a hollow cavity that can be filled with insulating fluids or solid fire retardant materials
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus are provided for a shield and flange support (22) for a duct. The shield and flange support 822) includes a first side (88) and a second side (90) coupled to the first side (88) to extend toward the duct. The first side (88) and the second side (90) cooperate to define a cavity (104), and the cavity (104) includes at least one of a first insulating fluid and a first insulating solid.