Fire-Retaining Container with Composite Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a container that can effectively prevent, contain, or retard fires in items that may catch fire during transportation or storage, such as electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and cargo, as existing solutions do not adequately address the risk of fire spread or extinguishment.
Innovation Solution
A fire-retaining container is designed with multiple fire-retarding layers, including a first layer made of materials like poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide) and a second layer of ceramic paper, reinforced with materials like ceramic, glass, or metal, and a water-repellant silicone layer to prevent fire spread and extinguish fires through oxygen deprivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shipping containers are used to transport items that may catch fire, then transportation is simple and cost-effective, but fire spread is not prevented and fire containment capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are divided into multiple fire-retarding layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different material compositions and functions. Each layer segment provides specific fire protection capabilities, creating a segmented barrier system that contains fire while maintaining overall container integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs composite material construction with at least three distinct layers having different material properties. The first layer contains fire-retarding materials, the second layer provides additional fire protection, and the third layer offers structural support. This composite structure achieves superior fire containment while balancing structural requirements.
2Reliability
If fire-retarding layers are added to the container, then fire spread is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system is segmented into multiple applyable layers, allowing each layer to be manufactured and installed separately. This segmentation enables modular production where each layer can be optimized independently and assembled into the final container structure, balancing manufacturing ease with fire protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses a composite structure with at least three layers of different materials that can be manufactured using conventional techniques. The first layer uses fire-retarding materials, the second layer provides additional fire protection, and the third layer offers structural support, allowing each component to be produced separately and assembled together.
3Strength
If reinforcement materials are added to the fire-retarding layers, then structural strength is improved, but weight of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement materials are applied locally to specific regions of the fire-retarding layers where additional strength is needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire container. This localized reinforcement provides necessary structural support in critical areas while minimizing overall weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs a composite structure where fire-retarding layers are combined with reinforcement materials in a multi-layer configuration. The first layer contains fire-retarding materials, the second layer provides additional fire protection with embedded reinforcement, and the third layer offers structural support, creating a strength-to-weight optimized composite system.
4Reliability
If multiple fire-retarding layers are used, then fire containment is enhanced, but the container volume available for cargo is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-retarding layers are constructed as thin-film structures that provide effective fire containment while minimizing thickness. The first layer, second layer, and third layer are designed as thin but highly effective barriers that prevent fire spread without substantially reducing the internal cargo volume of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses a multi-layer composite structure where each layer is optimized for its specific function while maintaining thin profile. The first layer provides fire retardation, the second layer enhances fire protection, and the third layer provides structural support, collectively achieving superior fire containment with minimal impact on cargo capacity.
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 container effectively retards and contains fires by using fire-retarding materials and reinforcement to prevent fire spread, while the silicone water-repellant layer ensures the integrity of the container, and the vacuum-sealed cavity ensures fire extinguishment by eliminating oxygen.
Implementation Method 1
a first fire-retarding layer and at least one of: a second fire-retarding layer connected to the first fire-retarding layer; and a reinforcement material reinforcing the first fire-retarding layer
Implementation Method 2
a water-repellant layer, wherein the water-repellant layer comprises silicone
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum-sealed cavity ensures fire extinguishment by eliminating oxygen
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fire-retaining container is disclosed which includes a first fire-retarding layer and a second fire-retarding layer connected to the first fire-retarding layer. Another fire-retaining container is disclosed which includes a fire-retarding layer and a reinforcement material reinforcing the fire-retarding layer. A method of containing an item is disclosed. In one step, an item is covered with a fire-retaining container. The fire-retaining container comprises: (1) a first fire-retarding layer and a second fire-retarding layer connected to the first fire-retarding layer; or (2) a fire-retarding layer and a reinforcement material reinforcing the fire-retarding layer.