Flame Blocking Venting Trap for Fireproof Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection garments face challenges in allowing ventilation while preventing flames from reaching the wearer, requiring a solution that balances air flow with flame blocking capabilities, especially in intense heat and flame-exposed environments.
Innovation Solution
A flame blocking venting trap (FBVT) is integrated into fireproof clothing, featuring a central mesh layer sandwiched between flame retardant textile layers, allowing air flow while preventing flames through natural convection and movement-activated ventilation, and adhering to safety standards like NFPA 2112 and ASTM F1505.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protection garment uses rugged material to prevent air passage, then flame protection is improved, but ventilation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The garment uses different material properties in different locations: the main body uses rugged flame-resistant material for protection, while the venting trap uses mesh material for ventilation. This local differentiation allows the garment to simultaneously provide flame protection and ventilation where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting trap combines multiple materials with complementary properties: mesh material for ventilation and flame blocking, and flame retardant textile layers for protection. This composite structure enables both ventilation and flame resistance in a single component.
2Reliability
If the protection garment uses stiff material for protection, then flame resistance is improved, but flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stiff flame-resistant material is used only where protection is critical (main garment body), while the mesh venting trap provides flexibility and ventilation. This localized application of different material properties maintains overall garment flexibility while ensuring flame resistance where needed.
3Temperature
If a ventilation trap is added to the garment, then ventilation is improved, but flame blocking capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The venting trap uses composite construction with mesh material that inherently blocks flames while allowing air passage, combined with flame retardant textile layers. This composite design ensures the ventilation trap provides both ventilation and flame blocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh material acts as an intermediary that allows air to pass through while blocking flames. The flame retardant textile layers serve as additional intermediaries that prevent flame transmission, enabling the trap to mediate between ventilation needs and flame protection requirements.
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 FBVT enhances wearer comfort by facilitating heat evacuation and fresh air input while maintaining safety, preventing flame contact and meeting stringent industrial safety standards, thus improving the flexibility and protection of fireproof garments.
Implementation Method 1
The central venting layer comprises a mesh portion that is made from a first flame retardant material, that is configured to allow a flow of air to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a natural convection system, facilitating the heat evacuation and the fresh air input
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT) adapted to vent a garment, the FBVT comprising a proximal layer; a central venting layer superposed to the proximal layer; and a distal layer superposed to the central venting layer. The the proximal layer is forming a first fold with the central venting layer and the central venting layer is forming a second fold with the distal layer to act as a flow restricting apparatus configured to prevent air and flames to get through the FBVT from the outside of the garment and allow air to get through the FBVT from the inside of the garment. A garment including one or many FBVT is encompassed by the present application.