Fire Zone Hose Assembly With Thermal Sleeve and Braid Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft hoses suitable for fire zones degrade during exposure to fire, compromising their ability to meet fire resistance or proof requirements.

Innovation Solution

A fire zone hose design incorporating an inner tube, a thermal protection sleeve, and a braided member, where the braided member is secured by a braid retainer to enhance robustness and prevent material loss during fire exposure, with the thermal protection sleeve capable of withstanding high temperatures and the braided member providing additional protection against flaking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing aircraft hoses are used in fire zones, then they can be deployed in high-temperature environments, but they degrade during fire exposure compromising fire resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidmaterial degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hose assembly employs a composite structure with multiple protective layers: an inner tube for fluid conveyance, a thermal protection sleeve made of heat-resistant material, and an outer braided member providing mechanical strength. This composite construction allows the hose to withstand fire exposure without degradation, achieving fire resistance certification while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal protection sleeve is designed to withstand temperatures exceeding those encountered in fire zones, fundamentally changing the temperature parameter tolerance of the hose assembly. This parameter change enables the inner tube to remain within its operational temperature range even when exposed to fire conditions, preventing material degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a thermal protection sleeve is added to protect against heat, then fire resistance is improved, but the hose structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidhose structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose assembly uses a nested structure where the inner tube is positioned inside the thermal protection sleeve, which in turn is positioned inside the braided member. This nested arrangement provides multiple protective functions within a compact configuration, improving fire resistance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal protection sleeve is constructed as a flexible protective shell that conforms to the inner tube, providing thermal protection while maintaining the flexibility needed for hose operation. This flexible shell approach achieves fire resistance without requiring complex rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the braided member is secured with a braid retainer, then material loss during fire is prevented, but manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial retentionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The braid retainer is pre-formed and designed to be applied to the hose assembly in a straightforward manner, securing the braided member before final assembly completion. This preliminary action ensures material retention during fire exposure while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity through efficient sequencing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 hose assembly is certified as fire-resistant or fire-proof, maintaining performance and preventing leaks during fire exposure, while improving manufacturing yield by securing the braided member effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The thermal protection sleeve can include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner tube can be positioned inwards from an inner surface of the thermal protection sleeve.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The braided member can deform the outer surface of the thermal protection sleeve.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11009155B2Fire zone hoses and methods for forming the same

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a hose, such as a fire zone hose, that can include an inner tube, a thermal protection sleeve and a braided member. The inner tube can form a flow path for conveying fluid. The thermal protection sleeve can be disposed around the inner tube. The thermal protection sleeve can include an inner surface and an outer surface such that the inner tube is positioned inwards from an inner surface of the thermal protection sleeve. The braided member can be disposed around the thermal protection sleeve, such that the braided member deforms the outer surface of the thermal protection sleeve. Additionally, the hose can include a braid retainer. The braid retainer can be disposed around an end of the braided member to secure the braided member to the thermal protection sleeve.