3D Molded Fibrous Part with Flame-Resistant Granules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional molded fiber parts have poor insulating properties and are combustible, limiting their application in thermal insulation and safety-critical areas.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating non-flammable, water-repellent, or oil-repellent granules with fibers during the molding process, which are blown into a multi-part mold and bonded with heat or a binder, allowing for adjustment of thermal conductivity and combustibility, thereby enhancing the fiber part's insulating ability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fibers are used to form three-dimensional molded fiber parts, then the parts can be produced with lightweight and strong properties, but the parts are easily flammable and have poor insulating properties with relatively high thermal conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflammability resistanceVSAvoidcombustibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining traditional fibers with granules having specific properties (non-flammable, water-repellent, or oil-repellent characteristics). This creates a hybrid material structure where the granules provide flame resistance and improved insulation while the fibers maintain the lightweight and strong structural properties, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and fire safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating granules with controlled properties into the fiber matrix. This parameter modification allows tuning of thermal conductivity and flammability characteristics while preserving the essential mechanical properties of the original fiber-based structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional fibers are used to form three-dimensional molded fiber parts, then the parts can be produced with lightweight and strong properties, but the parts have poor insulating properties with relatively high thermal conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating capacityVSAvoidthermal conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by integrating granules with specific thermal properties into the fiber structure. These granules act as thermal barriers, reducing heat transfer through the material while maintaining the lightweight characteristics of the original fiber-based composite

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The incorporation of granules creates a porous or heterogeneous structure within the molded fiber part. This increased porosity traps air pockets and reduces thermal pathways, thereby improving insulating capacity while maintaining low density and lightweight properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 resulting molded fiber parts exhibit improved thermal insulation, reduced flammability, and increased safety, making them suitable for applications like building insulation and tunnel structures without the risks associated with combustible materials.

Implementation Method 1

the fibers are blown into a multi-part, perforated mold by an airflow. The fibers adhere to the inner wall of the mold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

The fibers adhere to the inner wall of the mold and are bonded to each other by the application of heat and/or a binding agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat bonding: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3351369B1Three-dimensional moulded fibrous part, device and method for building a three-dimensional moulded fibrous part
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 FIBER ENG
  • EP3351369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3351369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3351369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A three-dimensional fiber molded part (1) comprising fibers (2) which are blown into a mold (17) and bonded to one another by the application of heat and/or a binding agent. The fiber molded part (1) additionally comprises granules (3) mixed with the fibers (2). Method and apparatus (10) for producing a three-dimensional fiber molded part (1).