High-Expansion Foam Production for Wind-Resistant Zone Protection
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting sensitive areas are inadequate due to issues with manpower security, continuous protection, gas dispersion, and effectiveness in windy conditions, while marking and camouflage techniques lack durability and control.
Innovation Solution
A foam production plant that generates a high-expansion foam with specific additives, providing long-lasting protection and marking capabilities, resistant to wind, and adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If smoke bombs are used for protection, then the area can be marked and protected temporarily, but the protection is limited in time due to rapid gas dilution and is ineffective in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the protective medium from gas (smoke) to foam. This parameter change allows the protective substance to maintain its concentration and effectiveness over time and in windy conditions, as foam has higher viscosity and adheres to surfaces, preventing rapid dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining surfactants, water, and active products to create foam. This composite structure provides both the protective function and the durability needed to overcome the limitations of smoke bombs, while the foam matrix allows the active products to remain concentrated and effective.
2Duration of action of moving object
If water lances are used for protection, then continuous protection can be provided, but very large volumes of water are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid water to foam. This parameter change allows the same protective function to be achieved with much smaller volumes, as foam expands in volume while maintaining the active protective components concentrated within the foam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by transforming water into foam through the action of surfactants and gas incorporation. This phase transition increases the volume and surface area coverage while reducing the quantity of water needed, allowing continuous protection with minimal water consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If fog is projected for protection, then the area can be covered, but the fog dissipates quickly and the installation must operate continuously to maintain protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from fog (fine liquid droplets in gas) to foam (gas bubbles in liquid). This parameter change provides much better adherence to surfaces and resistance to wind, allowing the foam to remain in place for extended periods without continuous generation, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a disposable foam formulation that, once generated, provides long-lasting protection without needing continuous generation. The foam acts as a temporary but durable protective layer that degrades naturally, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to maintain protection.
4Reliability
If human means are used for protection, then the area can be secured, but the security of the personnel and immediate availability of sufficient manpower is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service protection system where the foam automatically provides protection without requiring human personnel to be present. The foam carries active products that provide security functions autonomously, eliminating the need for manpower while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human security personnel with a chemical/physical system (foam with active products). This substitution provides the same security function without the limitations of human availability and safety concerns, while being easier to deploy and maintain.
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 foam effectively delimits and protects sensitive zones, remaining localized and durable for several hours, offering improved security and marking without continuous operation, suitable for various environments and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a foam production plant comprising: a first module (A) comprising a main outlet and delivering to said main outlet a mixture comprising a main liquid and at least one surfactant, a second module (B) coupled to the main outlet of the first module and producing a foam which comprises at least the main liquid, the at least one surfactant and at least one main active product
Implementation Method 2
a mixture comprising a main liquid and at least one surfactant
Implementation Method 3
The foam can be invasive and/or have a good hold and/or be very adherent and allows the occupation of a large space
Implementation Method 4
The foam remains well localized at the level of the zone to be protected and/or to be marked and/or to be camouflaged
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to foam production equipment comprising: - a first module (A) comprising a principal outlet and delivering at said principal outlet a mixture comprising a principal liquid and at least one surfactant, - a second module (B) coupled to the principal outlet of the first module (A) and producing a foam which comprises at least the principal liquid, the at least one surfactant and at least one principal active product, from the mixture delivered by the principal outlet of the first module (A), the mixture comprising the at least one principal active product or the second module (B) comprising, in addition, means configured such that the foam produced by the second module (B) comprises the at least one principal active product, characterized in that said at least one principal active product is chosen from dyes, fluorescent products, chemical and/or biological labels, irritant products, gases, products which destroy the muscle and/or thinking capacities of a living being and radar reflectors. The invention also relates to a foam which can be produced by such equipment and which advantageously has an expansion coefficient greater than 10.