Fire Protective Hose Assembly with Composite Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-resistant hose constructions, particularly in aerospace applications, face challenges with silicon rubber firesleeves that ablate under high temperatures, fail to protect against oil, fuel, or chemical attacks, and are susceptible to chafing, lacking adequate resistance for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

A hose assembly design featuring a PTFE core tube with a reinforcing layer, an insulation layer of silica fibers, a polyimide cover layer, and a corrosion-resistant braid, along with a vented anti-chafing jacket, providing non-ablative protection up to 2000°F for 15 minutes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silicon rubber firesleeves are used to provide fire resistance, then fire protection is achieved, but the material ablates when subjected to fire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire protectionVSAvoidmaterial integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite construction consisting of multiple layers: an inner hose assembly, an intermediate insulation layer, and an outer protective jacket. This multi-material composite structure combines the fire-resistant properties of the inner layers with the ablation-resistant and chemically-resistant properties of the outer layers, resolving the contradiction between fire protection and material stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If silicon rubber firesleeves are used, then fire resistance is provided, but protection from oil, fuel, or chemical attack is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidchemical attack resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective hose assembly uses a composite structure where the outer protective jacket is specifically selected to provide chemical and fuel resistance, while inner layers provide fire insulation. This multi-functional composite material system simultaneously addresses fire resistance and chemical attack resistance without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If traditional hose construction is used, then flexibility is maintained, but resistance to chafing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidchafing resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer protective jacket in the composite hose assembly is specifically designed with enhanced mechanical strength and abrasion resistance to protect against chafing, while the flexible inner hose assembly maintains operational flexibility. The composite structure allows each layer to perform its specialized function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If protective firesleeve is added to hose, then fire resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidhose assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple protective functions into a single unified hose assembly structure rather than using separate components. The fire-resistant insulation layer and chemical-resistant protective jacket are combined into one integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 fire resistance and chemical integrity, preventing chafing and damage from high temperatures and chemicals, ensuring the hose assembly meets stringent aerospace standards for extended periods without fuel leakage or structural compromise.

Implementation Method 1

an insulation layer comprising silica fiber, the insulation layer surrounding the reinforcing layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a vented anti-chafing jacket surrounding the insulating layer; wherein the vented anti-chafing jacket is the outermost layer of the hose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion resistance: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

A hose assembly design featuring a PTFE core tube with a reinforcing layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical resistance:

Implementation Method 4

a corrosion resistant braid positioned about the cover layer and forming an outer layer of the hose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorrosion resistance:

Data Source

PatentUS8127800B2Fire protective hose assembly

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 PARKER INTANGIBLES LLC

AI summary

A flexible hose for conveying fluids and suitable for high temperature environments, in one embodiment the hose assembly comprises a thermal paint coated nipple, a core tube, a thermal insulating layer surrounding the core tube, a cover layer surrounding the thermal insulating layer, and a vented jacket surrounding the cover layer. The thermal insulating layer may be a fibrous material such as a silica fiber. The cover layer may be thermally stable up to 750° F. or higher. The vented jacket may be a wire braid having interstices therein and formed from a corrosion resistant material.