Flame-Resistant Polymer Jacket Blends for Load-Bearing Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elongated flexible assemblies, such as elevator load bearing members and conveyor belts, face challenges in meeting both fire resistance and mechanical performance requirements, with existing solutions either compromising on flammability or mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
A fire-resistant material comprising a base material, a siloxane polymer, and a phosphonate polymer, specifically polyimide siloxane copolymers, polyetherimide siloxane copolymers, and polyetherimide polysiloxane block copolymers, is used to create a jacket for tension members, enhancing both fire resistance and mechanical properties like controlled slip and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fire resistant additives such as siloxanes and phosphonates are added to improve flame resistance, then flammability performance is improved, but mechanical strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining siloxane polymers and phosphonate polymers with base polymer materials to create a jacket material that achieves both fire resistance and mechanical strength. The synergistic interaction between siloxane and phosphonate components provides enhanced flame retardancy while the composite structure maintains the mechanical integrity of the base material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the molecular weight, composition ratios, and structural parameters of siloxane and phosphonate polymers. By optimizing these parameters, the material achieves improved flame resistance without compromising mechanical properties, as the controlled parameter adjustments allow for balanced performance characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flame retardant additives are incorporated to meet building codes, then fire resistance is improved, but mechanical performance requirements may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating siloxane and phosphonate polymers into a unified jacket material system. This composite approach ensures that both fire resistance and mechanical performance requirements are satisfied simultaneously, as the combined material system provides synergistic benefits that neither component could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions within the jacket material with different functional characteristics. The siloxane and phosphonate components are distributed to provide localized fire protection while maintaining overall mechanical integrity, allowing different parts of the material to optimize for their specific functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing fire resistant compositions are used, then flammability is reduced, but the need for additional additives increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple fire resistant additives into a unified system combining siloxane and phosphonate polymers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate additives needed while maintaining or enhancing fire resistance performance, thereby simplifying the overall material composition and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a multi-functional jacket material where siloxane and phosphonate polymers work together to provide both fire resistance and mechanical strength. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized additives, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fire-resistant material according to an example of the present disclosure includes a base material and at least one of a siloxane polymer and a phosphonate polymer. A method of making a fire-resistant material is also disclosed. In one example, a load bearing assembly (26) includes a plurality of elongated cord tension members (32) and a polymer jacket (34) comprising a fire-resistant material.