Elastic Tape Material Flame Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic band materials used in critical applications like military, fire brigade, and aviation are prone to dripping and releasing toxic smoke and gases when exposed to flames, lacking effective flame retardancy and smoke/tox compliance.
Innovation Solution
An elastic tape material with a combination of synthetic rubber and aramid or carbon fibers, where synthetic rubber threads do not melt or drip when exposed to flames, providing a flame-retardant and low smoke/tox gas development, with a preferred ratio of 20-40% synthetic rubber to 60-80% aramid/carbon fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastane copolymer (polyurethane-polyethylene glycol) is used for elastic bands, then elasticity and comfort are improved, but flame retardancy deteriorates and toxic smoke/gas is released when exposed to flames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining elastane copolymer threads with flame-retardant synthetic rubber threads (chloroprene, polychloroprene, or chlorobutadiene) and aramid or carbon fiber threads. This creates a multi-material woven structure where each component contributes specific properties: elastane provides elasticity, synthetic rubber provides flame retardancy without melting or dripping, and aramid/carbon fibers provide structural strength and additional fire resistance. The composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a woven structure where different thread types are distributed throughout the fabric. The elastic elastane threads are interspersed with flame-retardant synthetic rubber threads and aramid/carbon fiber threads, so that flame protection is localized at multiple points throughout the material. This ensures that when exposed to flame, the fire-resistant threads are positioned to protect critical areas while maintaining overall fabric elasticity through the elastane components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flame-retardant materials are used to protect against flames, then fire resistance is improved, but smoke and toxic gas development increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by selecting synthetic rubber materials (chloroprene, polychloroprene, chlorobutadiene) that inherently resist flame without requiring additional flame-retardant chemicals that would produce toxic smoke. These materials naturally char and form protective carbon layers when exposed to fire, converting the harmful flame exposure into a beneficial self-protective mechanism. The material structure transforms the thermal energy into a protective char layer rather than releasing toxic gases, thus converting harm into benefit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic rubber content is increased to improve flame retardancy, then fire resistance is improved, but material cost and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by incorporating flame-retardant synthetic rubber threads at a specific proportion (20-40% by weight) rather than using 100% flame-retardant material. This partial incorporation is sufficient to achieve the required flame resistance and smoke/tox standards while maintaining the essential elasticity provided by elastane threads. The optimized proportion balances fire protection requirements with material flexibility and cost considerations, avoiding the excessive complexity of fully synthetic rubber-based fabrics.
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 material offers enhanced flame resistance, acid resistance, and meets smoke/tox standards, ensuring better protection and compliance in fire-prone environments, suitable for protective clothing, aviation, and high-fire-regulation areas.
Implementation Method 1
part of the threads consist of a synthetic rubber and the other part consist of an aramid or carbon fibre, the synthetic rubber threads being made of a material that does not melt under the influence of flame and does not burning dripping material
Implementation Method 2
part of the threads consist of a synthetic rubber and the other part consist of an aramid or carbon fibre
Implementation Method 3
Depending on the desired stretching direction, the warp threads or the weft threads or both can be designed to be elastic
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastic tape material with warp and weft threads. According to the invention, it is proposed that part of the threads consist of a synthetic rubber and the other part of an aramid or carbon fiber, wherein the synthetic rubber threads consist of a material that does not melt under the influence of a flame and does not drip while burning.