Multi-layered Fibrous Thermoacoustic Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current materials used in industries such as automotive and construction lack effective thermoacoustic insulation, thermal resistance, and sound absorption while maintaining structural integrity at elevated temperatures, often being costly, brittle, and limited in adaptability across various applications.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered fibrous material comprising lofted fibrous layers and nonwoven layers with metallic layers, designed for thermoacoustic applications, providing thermal insulation, sound absorption, and structural support across a wide temperature range, with adjustable properties for different applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional foams (open cell polyurethane, elastomeric foams) are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but temperature resistance deteriorates (only survive up to 120-150°C)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidtemperature resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining inorganic fibers (glass, mineral, ceramic) with organic binders to create a material that achieves both thermal insulation and high temperature resistance. The inorganic fibers provide thermal stability up to 600-800°C while the organic binder matrix provides thermal insulation properties, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and temperature resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs porous fibrous structures with controlled porosity to achieve thermal insulation. The porous structure traps air and reduces thermal conduction, while the inorganic fiber framework maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures. This porous composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of insulation and heat resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If fiberglass or melamine foam are used when temperatures exceed 150°C, then temperature resistance is improved, but cost increases and handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature resistanceVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the fibrous material by controlling fiber diameter, binder composition, and density to achieve optimal balance between temperature resistance and ease of handling. The inorganic fiber content and binder ratio are adjusted to provide high-temperature stability while maintaining flexibility and ease of installation, avoiding the brittleness of traditional high-temperature materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If alternative materials are used to replace conventional foams, then fire resistance is improved, but acoustic absorption performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidacoustic absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where inorganic fibers provide fire resistance and acoustic insulation, while organic binders and air pockets contribute to acoustic absorption. The combination achieves both fire safety and acoustic performance, as the porous structure absorbs sound while the inorganic framework prevents combustion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the insulation system. The inorganic fiber network provides fire resistance throughout, while the organic binder distribution and pore structure are optimized for acoustic absorption. This localized optimization of material qualities enables simultaneous fire safety and acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If materials are made more robust to meet demanding standards, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates (limited to specific applications)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial robustnessVSAvoidapplication adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal fibrous insulation material that can be applied across multiple industries and applications. The inorganic fiber composite structure provides consistent performance in thermal insulation, fire resistance, and acoustic absorption, making it suitable for automotive, construction, and industrial applications without requiring application-specific material formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively maintains temperature and noise levels, absorbs excessive heat, and maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, being adaptable for various industrial applications while being fireproof and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

absorbs external heat to substantially prevent amplitude of temperature of the item or within the compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

configured for thermoacoustic applications to thermally insulate an item or compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

substantially prevents noise fluctuation radiated by the item or out of the compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 4

one or more layers that reflect heat while still maintaining improved sound absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240165916A1Multi-layered fibrous structures for thermoacoustics applications
Publication Date: 2024.05.23 ZEPHYROS INC
  • US20240165916A1 patent drawing
  • US20240165916A1 patent drawing
  • US20240165916A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An article comprising: (a) one or more lofted fibrous material layers comprising a lofted fibrous material; and (b) one or more nonwoven layers having a fibrous matrix; wherein the article is configured for thermoacoustic applications to thermally insulate an item or compartment; and wherein the article absorbs external heat to substantially prevent amplitude of temperature of the item or within the compartment and also substantially prevents noise fluctuation radiated by the item or out of the compartment. The article may also include one or more metallic layers disposed on one or more exterior surfaces of the article, wherein the one or more metallic layers are aluminum laminated glass cloth, aluminum foil, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the one or more metallic layers may also be embossed, micro-perforated, or a combination thereof.