Geopolymer Filler Layer for Radiating Cable Fire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiating cables, used in challenging communication environments, face suboptimal fire resistance due to gaps between metal layers and outer sheaths, and existing thermal protection methods like mineral ribbons fail to form a continuous envelope, leading to inadequate fire resistance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a filler layer composed of a non-woven fibrous material impregnated with a geopolymer material between the insulated electrically conductive elements and the outer sheath, which provides both fire protection and flexibility by minimizing gaps and forming a continuous envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mineral ribbon is used as thermal protection layer, then fire resistance is improved, but the ribbon cannot form a continuous envelope due to gaps between metal layer and outer sheath, reducing fire resistance effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the filling material from rigid mineral ribbon to flexible geopolymer-impregnated fibrous material. This material can deform and adapt to the irregular gaps between the metal layer with openings and the outer sheath, forming a continuous protective envelope that maintains fire resistance while accommodating the cable's structural characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of fibrous material impregnated with geopolymer. The fibrous structure provides flexibility and ability to fill gaps, while the geopolymer provides fire resistance. This composite approach combines the advantages of both materials to resolve the contradiction between continuity and fire protection
2Reliability
If mineral ribbon is wound around metal layer, then fire protection is provided, but the cable flexibility is reduced due to rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the protection layer from rigid mineral ribbon to flexible geopolymer-impregnated fibrous material. The fibrous structure allows the material to bend and flex with the cable, maintaining cable flexibility while the geopolymer impregnation ensures fire protection is not compromised
3Ease of operation
If gaps between metal layer and outer sheath are left unfilled, then cable flexibility is maintained, but fire resistance is compromised due to inadequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a filling material with specific physical parameters - flexible fibrous structure that can conform to gaps while maintaining cable flexibility, and geopolymer impregnation that provides fire resistance. This resolves the contradiction by filling gaps effectively without rigidifying the cable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The geopolymer-impregnated fibrous material acts as an intermediary substance that fills the gaps between the metal layer and outer sheath. It provides fire protection in the gap regions while its flexible nature maintains overall cable flexibility, mediating between the conflicting 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 solution enhances fire resistance while maintaining cable flexibility, meeting standards like EN 50399, and ensures effective transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves in radiating cables.
Implementation Method 1
a filler layer comprising a non-woven fibrous material and a geopolymer material impregnating said non-woven fibrous material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable comprising at least one electrically conductive insulated element, at least one stuffing layer based on a geopolymer material surrounding said electrically conductive insulated element, and at least one outer sheath surrounding said stuffing layer.