Flame-Retardant Control Cable Conduit With Flexible Layered Sleeve

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control cable conduits for aircraft seat adjustment mechanisms face challenges in meeting stringent flame resistance standards while maintaining flexibility and manufacturability, leading to potential cracking and high failure rates.

Innovation Solution

A control cable conduit comprising an inner core, support wires, and an outer sleeve made from a polyolefin material with a flame retardant and self-extinguishing additive, which enhances flexibility and manufacturability while meeting flame resistance standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If flame retardant additives are included in the outer sleeve of the conduit, then flame resistance is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material structure consisting of an inner nylon 6/6 conduit and an outer polyolefin sleeve with flame retardant additives. This layered composite approach allows each material to perform its specialized function: the inner conduit provides flexibility and durability, while the outer sleeve delivers flame resistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and flame resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit is divided into two separate functional layers: an inner conduit made from nylon 6/6 and an outer sleeve made from polyolefin with flame retardant additives. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function, with the inner layer maintaining flexibility and the outer layer providing flame resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If flame retardant additives are included in the outer sleeve of the conduit, then flame resistance is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidextrusion molding quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit is divided into two separate functional layers: an inner conduit made from nylon 6/6 and an outer sleeve made from polyolefin with flame retardant additives. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function, with the inner layer maintaining flexibility and the outer layer providing flame resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner nylon 6/6 conduit acts as an intermediary or core structure that provides a stable base for the outer flame-retardant sleeve. This intermediary structure supports the extrusion process and helps maintain manufacturing precision while allowing the outer sleeve to incorporate flame retardant additives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flame retardant additives are included in the outer sleeve of the conduit, then flame resistance is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material structure consisting of an inner nylon 6/6 conduit and an outer polyolefin sleeve with flame retardant additives. This layered composite approach allows each material to perform its specialized function: the inner conduit provides flexibility and durability, while the outer sleeve delivers flame resistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and flame resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The inner nylon 6/6 conduit serves as a protective core that cushions and supports the outer flame-retardant sleeve. This pre-positioned protective structure prevents the outer sleeve from developing cracks and fatigue issues, thereby maintaining reliability and extending service life while incorporating flame retardant properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 conduit exhibits improved flexibility and robustness, meeting stringent flame resistance standards while reducing the risk of cracking and manufacturing imperfections, thereby ensuring a long service life.

Implementation Method 1

the outer sleeve is made from a polymer material having a flame retardant additive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame retardant:

Implementation Method 2

a flame retardant and self-extinguishing additive, which enhances flexibility and manufacturability while meeting flame resistance standards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-extinguishing:

Data Source

PatentUS12276367B2Flexible conduit for control cable having flame retardant outer sleeve

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A flexible conduit or sleeve sized for surrounding and supporting a movable wire rope includes an inner core having an opening for receiving the movable wire rope, a plurality of wires disposed about the inner core, and an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is made from a polymer material having a flame retardant additive that provides sufficient flexibility while also improving manufacturability for use in various applications, such as part of an aircraft seat adjustment mechanism.